Eulogies and reminiscences: what a life leaves behind

O ye the followers of this Wronged One! Upon arriving at the precincts of this garden, stand ye at its gate, say:

May the perfumed breezes wafting from they flowers and blossoms blow over thee, O 'Abdu's-Salih, O thou effulgent light! I bear witness that the evidences of they handiwork in this garden are a testimony to thy living presence and to the services that thou hast rendered to thy Lord, the God of mercy. I testify that thou art alive in the Most Exalted Horizon and that thy name hath been recorded in the Crimson Scroll.

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Today a most painful news was received; its effect was agonizing and its anguish very harrowing. Truly I say Mirza Abu'l-Fadl was a glorious personage. From every standpoint he was peerless. It is a rare thing to find a person perfect from every direction, but he was such a person.

His honour the Muvaqqaru'd-Dawlih was of the Afnan of the Divine Lote-Tree and a kinsman of the Exalted One, the Bab, may my soul be a sacrifice unto Him. From earliest childhood, signs of intelligence and wisdom, and evidences of understanding and discernment, were manifest in his blessed countenance. Even as an infant in the cradle, signs of nobility were apparent upon his brow. When he reached adolescence, both friends and strangers alike observed distinguished qualities in his bearing and were amazed by his conduct. Having received an excellent upbringing, he strove with the utmost zeal and determination to acquire both material and spiritual perfections.

Although that distinguished soul is without name or trace in this world, in the realm above his name is renowned throughout all regions, for he was a mighty pillar and a great herald.

Your services in this great and accepted commemoration at the threshold of the Lord, the All-Bountiful, are most welcome. The friends should be like this, striving to honor and venerate one another, whether living or deceased.

Speaking about the martyrs and prominent lights of the Cause he said:-

"The biographies of such blessed souls must be written in detail - thus the children of the next generation may try to imitate the virtues of their fathers. When these holy souls pass away from this life, in the supplications and Epistles that I write in their behalves, I touch briefly the history of their lives and the services they have rendered to the Cause.

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Ismu'llahu'l-Asdaq was truly a servant of the Lord from the beginning of life till his last breath. When young, he joined the circle of the late Siyyid Kazim and became one of his disciples. He was known in Persia for his purity of life, winning fame as Mulla Sadiq the saintly. He was a blessed individual, a man accomplished, learned, and much honored. The people of Khurasan were strongly attached to him, for he was a great scholar and among the most renowned of matchless and unique divines.

Blessed is he who enters the garden and remembers God, his Lord, the All-Merciful. O party of the Wronged One, when you reach his gate, say: The fragrant breezes which bring glad-tidings through thy flowers and blossoms be upon thee, O righteous servant, and the resplendent light.

I testify that thy traces in the garden bear witness to thy presence, thy life, and thy steadfastness in serving God, thy Lord, the All-Merciful. I testify that thou art living in the Most Exalted Horizon and art mentioned in the Crimson Tablet.

O Lord! Verily Thy servant, the father of Mas'ud, lived a praiseworthy life and was as a spring of water and a source of sustenance for the poor. He opened his breast to guests and clothed them with garments of the finest silk. O Lord! He was of expansive nature and generous disposition, enriching the destitute, offering assistance, and immersing himself in the sea of kindness. He possessed a noble character, a sound heart, a radiant countenance, and profound generosity.

She never wavered in serving Thy loved ones and comforting Thy servants. She spent her wealth upon the weak and the poor, seeking Thy good pleasure. … She was a treasure to every poor one, a shelter to every captive, a refuge to every stranger. Her generosity was as a flowing spring to every thirsty soul, and a comfort to every wanderer and wayfarer.

Verily Your servant Nazim was one who suppressed anger and forgave sins and harm, showing kindness to enemies even if they were the most bitter foes, thirsting for the fountainhead of guidance, yearning to attain the Supreme Concourse, and eagerly anticipating the appointed time until his desire was fulfilled and his destiny arrived, and he drank the cup of death and soared like a dove to the flying place of the birds of immortality.

May his goodly character bring honor to his lineage, and may the child prove to be the mystery of his father. For if there is no similarity in character, noble descent yields no fruit.

O Pen of the Most Ancient Being! Make mention of him who turned towards the Most Great Prison, who circled round the Throne, and who sacrificed himself for God, the Lord of all worlds. He is now in the All-Glorious Horizon and the Supreme Companion, and was named Mihdi in the kingdom of creation - he who heard the Call when it was raised betwixt earth and heaven, who turned unto the Countenance, and who took hold of the Book with the power of God, the Sovereign Lord, the Mighty, the All-Praised.

Those days were marvelously pleasant! Turks have a saying, "The memory and reminiscence of those days are worth the world!"

The days in Paris are before my eyes and cannot be forgotten. Those few days we were companions passed very pleasantly - they were sweet and full of delight, joyous and full of happiness.

I do not know in what words I could describe my longing for my honoured sister. Whatever it may write, my pen falls short.

This servant had the utmost heart attachment in Iraq with those two servants of the Luminary of the horizons. In truth they were noble and two sincere believers at the Threshold of the Lord. The Blessed Beauty, may my spirit be a sacrifice for His loved ones, was pleased with both of them and had Himself taught the Faith to Jinab-i-Haji. In truth he was zealous and patient and chaste and thankful.

The calamity of his honor, Mirza Abul-Fazl is indeed great. No matter how much we want to console ourselves, we cannot be consoled. How good for man to be like this, so that the hearts of all the friends are attracted to him in every way. While in Alexandria, every time my heart was depressed, I used to go and meet him and at once my depression vanished. He was very truthful. He never harbored deceit and revenge.

After the Ascension as well, he was my partner and associate in servitude at the Sacred Threshold until the day he passed away. I became very sorrowful and grieved at his passing, for he was my companion, my comfort and intimate friend. Know the worth of this uncle. This respected soul is near in the Divine Court and immersed in the ocean of lights in the world of mysteries. His worth is not known now but soon it will become known. This noble person placed a crown upon your heads whose brilliant and radiant jewels will shine throughout centuries and ages.

O honored cousin, precious memento of that embodied spirit and that manifest light, my revered uncle! He was infinitely kind to Abdul-Baha. In the days of childhood when I was in that village he showed much affection and association. The sweetness of his love is still in my taste.

O family of the honored Uncle! That illustrious Uncle is seated upon the throne of truth in the presence of the Mighty Sovereign and gazes upon those left behind, his pure soul being present. Therefore strive so that that illustrious person may attain the utmost joy and delight in the Kingdom of the Beautiful Lord. That embodied spirit was very kind to 'Abdu'l-Baha, and in childhood in Nur would shower affection day and night and embrace him. His kindness will not be forgotten and 'Abdu'l-Baha will not be silent in mentioning him.

We have sat together many times before, and we shall sit together many times again in the Kingdom. We shall laugh together very much in those times, and we shall tell of the things that befell us in the Path of God. In every world of God a new Lordis Supper is set for the faithful!

His Honor Aga Reza and His Honor Aga Mahmoud were most sincere. They were serving day and night. in reality they accomplished such services that cannot be duplicated by another human being, viz;- it is beyond the power of human endurance.

Real feasts were held during the days of the Blessed Perfection; for then we used to get up early morning with the utmost joy, exhilaration and happiness, addressing ourselves with transport:- 'This is the day of the Feast. Soon shall we stand before His Holiness Baha'u'llah, receive a new Grace and witness a new Confirmation and Bounty.'

She was very spiritual. If one were to sit and talk with her from morning to night they would not become tired. She was very unassuming and when she spoke tears would come to the eyes of her hearers.

But Mrs Cole was in reality very sincere, very faithful. She was the very essence of loyalty. She assisted the believers very much and served them without ostentation.

Convey utmost longing from 'Abdu'l-Baha to dear Khusraw. Khusraw is a person of pleasant countenance and good nature, faithful, truthful, and a kind friend.

Thy respected wife, Mrs. Maxwell, is indeed a lighted candle. Know thou her worth. That maidservant of God shall shine forth in the spiritual gatherings in such wise as to surpass the fame of Mary Magdalene and St. Barbara. That lamp of the love of God is in truth aglow and will be the cause of thy glory in this world and in the Kingdom above.

Abdul Baha-- Yes; he ascended. Hadji Mirza Hyder Ali was one of the souls who was immersed in the Kingdom of God; he was unaware of the material world; he lost himself in Baha'u'llah; he had no thought by day or night save that of the Kingdom of God.

The tragic passing of Bashir was indeed sudden. Therein lies a great wisdom that will only become apparent at a later time. He was brought here as a child and was raised in our house. He was a good-natured lad, and all enjoyed his company. In 'Akka, while still very young, he once fell from a high roof, but no harm came to him. Immediately he rose and walked away. Indeed, destiny is an amazing phenomenon. In truth, he was a good youth and his death was well too.

When we were in Bagdad there was amongst the believers a young man by the name of Janabé Moneab. He was one of the most spiritual youths that I have known in the Baha'i revelation. He possessed a sweet, affable temper and a pure, sterling character. I was greatly attached to him and from the depth of my heart I admired and loved him.

He followed the spiritual destiny of the Cause and at last he was besieged by the royal army with the rest of the Babis in the famous fortress of Tabarassi in Mazanderan. Those who are slightly familiar with that dramatic or tragic episode know the privations and sufferings they had to go through. Finally when they were released and put to death he was one of the very few who was given freedom. Later on he came to Acca and visited the Blessed Perfection.

He was among those blessed souls who attained the presence of Baha'u'llah and was favored with His gracious regard and encompassed by divine loving-kindness. He became one of the Hands of the Cause of God and was steadfast in the Covenant with perfect firmness and constancy.

I had a special love for him. He was a delightful conversationalist and like an intimate companion to all. He made a goodly ascension; he was in a blessed state.

There was a Mohamad Bey, a Kurd, of short stature, fat and a long beard. He had met Baha'u'llah when he was living in the mountain of Soleymanieh and became His ardent follower. When Baha'u'llah returned from the mountains after two years of absence, this Mohamad Bey also came to Bagdad bringing 46 mares for the governor Omar pasha.

One of the ulama of Simnan during his governorship, whenever there was a gathering commemorating the martyrdom and suffering of the Lord of Martyrs, would repeatedly say with great anguish "Would that I had been with thee and attained a mighty triumph!"

How fair art thou in my sight! Will I ever see thee again with my physical eyes? Will I ever walk through thy narrow streets? Art thou not the city wherein Baha'u'llah spent His earthly life and then ascended to the supreme Concourse? Truly thou art the mother of all the cities of the world and thou art blessed beyond the grasp of human imagination!

This glorious soul [Mirza 'Abu'l-Fadl] was a luminous star, a bright lamp, a blessed and fruitful tree, a billowing ocean of knowledge, a fountain of everlasting life, and well-established in the Ark of Salvation. From the beginning of his childhood, he lived a life of utmost piety and spent all his days in acquiring perfections.

O distinguished man! His Holiness Abu'l-Fadl, may my spirit be sacrificed for him, did not rest for a moment during his life, nor did he find comfort on any pillow at night. Day and night he engaged in promoting the Cause of God and exalting the Word of God, establishing proofs and evidence, and writing responses to the objections of every sinful falsifier.

Abu'l-Fadl served humanity until his last breath and laid a foundation that will endure forever. A thousand regrets that this bright candle was outwardly extinguished, but it was illumined in the gathering of the supreme realm. And praise be to God that he left behind traces that will radiate light forever and ever.

As for Abu'l-Fadl, praise be to God, in his own time, as soon as news of his death spread to distant cities, people mourned and shed tears, joined in sighs and laments, and sought the elevation of his station in their prayers. Yet his dear countrymen in Egypt would not approach his bier, lest they be humbled, even though that noble being was the glory of Iranians.

O ye friends of Abdul Baha and the daughters of the Kingdom! Your letter informing me that a Memorial Meeting was held in behalf of his holiness Abul Fazael was received. … In reality that reverend souls was fully established in the Divine Religion and under the protection of His Holiness Baha-ollah he attained to a very lofty summit. He was a brilliant lamp and a shining star! His station was unknown in his lifetime, the luminosity of that star of guidance is destined fir the future centuries.

He was the first to carry Thy scriptures to other parts and spread those fragrances, O my God, and gladden the hearts of Thy loved ones with glad-tidings.

When the affluent ones sent Thee, O my Beloved, to this destined prison and cut off news from those burning with the fire of deprivation in distant frontiers, that zealous messenger sought Thee out, undeterred by the censure of the masses, O my Forgiving Lord. He entered Thy Most Great Prison and came before Thee with a throbbing heart, burning breast, flowing tears and exhausted patience.

The honored Nightingale of the garden of meanings, the trusted messenger of the All-Merciful, His Holiness Shaykh Salman, upon him be the fragrances of his Lord, the Bestower, rendered outstanding services to the Cause of God. His mention should always remain in spiritual gatherings, for in the Abha Kingdom he shines like a brilliant lamp.

That heavenly soul was love personified, and thus longed to ascend to the Kingdom so that, like the holy birds, she might nest in the garden of the Abha Kingdom and begin to sing sweet melodies and songs. Praise be to God, she left behind blessed traces in this world as well, such that her good name endures and remains. She attained eternal life and achieved everlasting glory.

O His Holiness Bayda! Praise be to God that thou hast shown forth a white hand and hast written the history of the martyrs in most eloquent terms and most wondrous allusions.

O composer of sweet words! In mourning and lamentation for his holiness the Afnan of the Divine Lote-Tree, his honor Aqa Siyyid Mirza, you have spoken words and penned an elegy, giving full measure of eloquence and rhetoric. It was most novel and elegant, touching wounded hearts.

I commune with You, O my near Lord, and say that Your servant Andalib, the beloved one, has acknowledged Your oneness and confessed Your singleness, and has answered Your call with passionate attraction to the threshold of Your mercy, saying "Here am I, O God, O Near One, O Answerer!" … He did not falter in exalting Your Word and establishing proof and evidence for the seekers, and manifested with clear signs and authority for those who yearned.

The passing of Jinab-i-'Andalib has brought grief and sorrow to 'Abdu'l-Baha. I became very sorrowful at this bereavement, for Jinab-i-'Andalib rendered abundant service at the threshold of the Forgiving Lord, and opened an eloquent tongue in praise and tribute to the Desired One, and composed brilliant odes flowing from his talent. This illustrious person had a lofty station of nearness to God which is not known now but will become evident and renowned later.

During successive years she circled around the court of her Lord, and lauded Him in her anthems of praise, both in verse and prose, for which she gained the ornament of His acceptance, and received the light of His divine good-pleasure, as a token of heavenly grace from God, the Lord of this wondrous Day.

Then the Blessed Beauty summoned me and asked why I was not writing to him. "Write to him." So I wrote him a reply with this meaning: "O honorable Varqa, have you not heard the call of the Supreme Concourse? Then why are you waiting and expecting the sound of a mosquito?" etc.

In truth, that honored personage was a luminous candle, a morning star and a heavenly luminary. He was the cause of the glory of the Cause of God and with his very soul was ever engaged in service to the Ancient Beauty, always desiring comfort and tranquility for the divine friends. Indeed, he was a helper to 'Abdu'l-Baha in the execution of affairs and a partner and associate with this captive of poverty and evanescence in servitude to the Most Great Name.

The steadfast and firm in the Covenant, Mashhadi Yusuf, truly spent his life serving in every instance and was foremost among the benefactors in giving. You wrote that he endowed a magnificent caravanserai to the two schools for males and females. This zealous person is highly praiseworthy and appreciated. In all matters he demonstrated lofty resolve, and the friends always praise him.

Indeed, this hall brings joy to hearts and attracts the attention of souls. As for the passing of Engineer Volkov, the faithful architect of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar - truly this faithful architect strove in service to the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar with the utmost sincerity and purity.

Concerning the ascension of His honor Sadru's-Sudur which thou didst write about - that lamp of light and one who acquired the flame of Sinai truly dedicated his days to serving the Forgiving Lord and persisted in servitude to His Divine Unity. He brought souls to life and set many free. He established classes for teaching and instructed with an eloquent and wondrous tongue. This foundation is eternal and will continue in succession, and his noble spirit will remain forever joyous and steadfast in the world of mysteries.

This servant had an indescribable attachment and devotion to His Holiness the illustrious Sadr, for he was a bright candle in the night-chamber of guidance and in the rose garden of divine knowledge he was occupied with designing flowers of truth and meanings. He had an eloquent speech and an articulate expression, and with utmost sincerity and detachment he strived in this wondrous Cause.

After the ascension of the Blessed Beauty - may my spirit be a sacrifice for His loved ones - 'Abdu'l-Baha was never so affected by any calamity.

As the Arab poet says:

"The death of Sa'd was not the death of one alone,

But rather was the collapse of a people's edifice."

That bird of fidelity soared to the rose garden of eternity, that moth was consumed by the divine flame, that yearning soul hastened to the assemblage of the Day Star of all horizons, and that fish found its way to the limitless ocean.

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Now that pure spirit has ascended to the Abha Kingdom, that dove has taken flight to the realm of immortality, and that moth has soared around the lamp of the Supreme Concourse. Thus his place in this lower world remains empty.

And now concerning the faithful friend, Aqa Mirza Mihdi Ikhwan-i-Safa, whose passing brought [me] infinite sadness, grief, anguish and sorrow. He was a mighty pillar, and had attained the station of utter nothingness before the Blessed Beauty. He breathed no breath but one blessed with Divine good pleasure, and he cherished no hope except that of service to His Cause. Detailed pages have also been written in his commemoration, and were sent to Persia.

You are the memento of that illustrious martyr - how could I forget? Whenever I write to you, I remember that noble soul and become extremely affected. Indeed, most times while writing letters, such longing overcomes me that my eyes fill with tears.

When that blessed name was read, such a state overtook me that I involuntarily began writing a reply, although I had absolutely no time. This is due to the blessing of the blessed name of that martyr in the path of the Beauty of Abha.

With tearful eyes and burning heart you lamented and cried out over the ascension of your kind father. You are right to do so, it is fitting, for a loving father is most precious, especially one who lit the candle with the fire of the love of God and, like a moth, consumed his soul circling around the lamp of the Supreme Concourse.

In truth, if in this mourning a flood of tears were to flow like the Oxus River, it would be fitting and appropriate, for that precious soul who was the comfort of every dear one and the cause of joy to the hearts of rich and poor alike, has vanished like a luminous star behind the clouds of absence. The candle of the gathering has been extinguished, and from the intensity of pain and grief, it has caused tumult in the hearts and souls of the friends.

Indeed in the rose-garden of God that young man was like unto a shrub in its utmost freshness and promising good fruits. Whoever has seen him or heard him has undoubtedly been shocked and grieved at the news of his passing away.

He had a living heart and a becoming form. His countenance was moon-like and his nature musk-scented. He was a sapling of utmost freshness and delicacy, with a sweet appearance. His heart was enamored with the Heavenly Beloved and his soul yearned for the divine Kingdom.

Indeed that respected person served the Word of God and endured many hardships. His services in the Kingdom of God are recorded in the eternal ledger and are mentioned in the Supreme Concourse. They will never be forgotten. Soon they will yield magnificent results and become the cause of joy and honor for that family.

Hearts have been consumed, garments rent asunder, and wailing and lamentation have risen up, and cries of sorrow have ascended, when news of the passing of the Most Great Nabil was heard from the furthest shore.

O woe!" A tribulation has struck that has demolished the edifice of patience and has laid waste the towers of joy. … Tears have flowed, the fires of grief have blazed, the lights of happiness have dimmed, and holy maidens have rent their garments and raised their voices in wailing: "O regret that the mighty pillar has fallen, the glorious banner has been reversed, the lofty sail has been furled, and the fires of joy have been extinguished!"

The ascension of your parents greatly saddened my heart, for Jinab-i-Samandar was my helper and supporter, but as a swift-winged bird he ascended quickly.

As to what you wrote concerning His honour, the late and lamented, His Holiness Qa'ini, upon him be the Glory of God and His mercy, and your expression of sorrow - in truth there is no cause for sorrow, rather it is cause for gratitude, for he ascended in such a manner that all holy, firm and steadfast souls were filled with longing.

Grieve not for thy father. He hath quaffed the choice wine of reunion and found intimacy with Him when he was in the land of Ta. Thy Lord is verily the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. Be thou assured that he hath ascended unto God and attained what was ordained for him in My most exalted Kingdom.

Blessed is thy father! At the time of his ascension We perceived from him the fragrance of My love, to which the dwellers of the Most Exalted Paradise in the All-Glorious Companion bear witness.

How can I mention thy trials, O Crimson Leaf! By God, through thy fall from the Tree of the Cause, the leaves of the Divine Lote-Tree fell, the branches of the Tree of Eternity were broken, the boughs of the Tree of Blessedness dried up, the hearts of the near ones bled, the faces of the chosen ones turned pale, and the hearts of the pious in the Highest Paradise became entangled. The Faithful Spirit lamented in the presence of the All-Glorious, and the dwellers of earth and heaven cried out.

O Mim of Glory! Thou didst ascend with joy and fragrance, while thy loved ones remained in grief.

… O Ha of the Divine Essence! Thou didst seek the heights of holiness and forsake the world in the path of thy Lord.

Great indeed is Thy calamity and profound Thy tragedy. Were life in this first existence eternal, what Thou hast faced in Thy Lord's path would be better with God.

Mr. Chase was of the blessed souls. The best time of his life was spent in the path of God. He had no other aim except the good pleasure of the Lord and no other desire except the attainment to the Kingdom of God. During his lifetime he bore many trials and vicissitudes, but he was very patient and long-suffering. He had a heart most illuminated, a spirit most rejoiced; his hope was to serve the world of humanity; during the days of his life he strove as much as he could-he never failed-until he witnessed the lights of the Kingdom of ABHA, and he was guided by the lights of Guidance.

He summoned the people to the religion of God; he suffered them to enter into the Kingdom of God; he wrote books and articles regarding the proofs and evidences of the Manifestations of Baha'u'llah. In reality he has left behind him certain signs which will never be forgotten throughout ages and cycles. In realty this personage is worthy of having the friends visit his grave.

The traces of this personage will ever shine. This is a personage who will not be forgotten. For the present his worth is not known but in the future it will be inestimably dear. His sun will ever be shining; his stars will ever bestow the light. The people will honor this grave.

Therefore the friends of God must visit this grave and on my behalf bring flowers and beseech for him the sublimity of the spiritual station for him and have the utmost consideration for the members of his family. This personage will not be forgotten.

The deceased, his honor Mr. Chase, was a blessed soul; he was a holy reality. His station in this life was not known. Yesterday I took a special trip and visited his tomb. At the time of visiting his tomb I found wonderful spirituality.

Truly, Mr. Chase was a glorious personage, having no desire save the good pleasure of God. His attention was directed to the Kingdom of God. He served during his lifetime. He was not at all wanting in service. He compiled certain books proving the validity of the Movement. As much as he could, he endeavored to guide the people.

The passing of his honor Adib and the ascension of that beloved one caused intense grief. Show much love and kindness to the survivors of that illustrious person. Console them. Soon prayers and a visitation tablet will be sent for him.

Regarding the passing of the honored Ibn-i-Abhar, a detailed prayer was revealed by the Pen of the Covenant and sent previously. He was truly self-sacrificing and, with utmost firmness and steadfastness in the Covenant and Testament, was patient, thankful, dignified and zealous. His two dear sons must be cherished and shown honor and kindness in every way. These two precious children are born of the Covenant and are near to the Luminary of the horizons.

You will observe the results of this ascension later in his lineage, as divine favors will encompass them and eternal gifts will be attained.

Concerning the holy, fragrant, and luminous resting-place of the illustrious wife--my soul yearneth to inhale the holy savour of its dust--it must be cared for with the utmost respect until the time cometh when it shall be exalted.

Indeed that brilliant star spent his life in utmost hardship in the path of the Divine Unity. He drank every bitter cup, saw every affliction, endured every ordeal, and was subjected to every torment. At all times his life was in danger and his heart was immersed in the sea of pain and grief. Despite this, he faced trials and tribulations with perfect joy. He was repeatedly imprisoned and fell under the torture and punishment of oppressors.

O spiritual friends of 'Abdu'l-Baha! The Most Exalted Leaf of Paradise, upon her be the Glory of God the Most Glorious, was a manifestation of the supreme bounty and the recipient of endless favors. From the dawning of the Morn of Guidance and the rising of the Most Exalted Sun, she was attracted to the holy fragrances and enkindled with the fire of the love of God.

O ye who are related to him who hath attained the presence of the Glorious Companion!

Although that well-favored one at the threshold of Grandeur hath hastened unto the precincts of unsurpassed mercy, he hath left you as a heritage to each of the friends of God.

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O grandchild of the martyr in the path of God! The love which 'Abdu'l-Baha beareth for the survivors of the martyrs is to the degree that the Concourse on high applaud it! These blessed souls laid down their lives. To use the popular expression, "It is no laughing matter." They tasted the venom of the sword, and made their mirror-like breasts the targets of a hundred thousand arrows.

The Love of Baha'u'llah has united their hearts.

in Los Angeles there is the blessed tomb of Mr. Chase. He died a few days before our arrival. … I offered a supplication and chanted a Visiting Tablet. Then we scattered flowers on his Tomb and kissed its ground.

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Go every year to visit the grave of Mr Chase on my behalf, for he was a sanctified soul; his station will be known later.

I have come to pay you a visit. I was exceedingly sad and heart-broken when I heard of the departure of Mr. Chase, for I loved him very much. He was a near soul to God. Mr. Chase was a man who will never be forgotten. His value is not now known, but will be in the future. Throughout the Orient his name was well known and they all longed to see him.

The favored servant of the Kingdom, Mr. Hannen, that pure and spotless soul, was the first self-sacrificing person in the path of the Merciful One. At night he was restless and during the day he was untiring. Not a moment did he rest and all his lifetime was consecrated to the service of the Kingdom. In the assemblage of Thy friends he was an active member and in the gathering of Thy favored ones an enkindled torch. In the horizon of guidance he twinkled like a radiant star and in the Abha Paradise he appeared a magnificent palm. He was an illumined soul, merciful, kingly, lordly.

He was truly a blessed being and sincere in the Cause of Truth. During this time nothing was heard about him except praise and commendation. He was always engaged in his work with a detached heart, a joyous spirit and a breast dilated through divine favors. He was a calm being, content with his state, thankful, grateful and happy.

Indeed, you are a distinguished descendant of your illustrious grandfather, and a brilliant lamp of that leader of the righteous ones' household. We are most pleased that that family laid such a solid foundation and established the base of such a lofty palace that its highest chambers reach to the canopy of heaven, and the spirit of that noble personage takes pride in the Most Glorious Kingdom.

The Blessed Beauty (may my spirit be sacrificed for His loved ones) showed the utmost favor towards your distinguished grandfather and praised him in the holy Tablets. He was ever described and characterized by the blessed tongue, saying that this renowned person in the thirteenth century of the Hegira was a prince in the realm of wisdom and an unequaled, peerless secretary. Even when mentioning him, joy would appear on His blessed countenance, which indicated the height of His favor.

O descendant of Abraham! Truly you are from the family of that noble one and from the lineage of that radiant sun. The musk-scented fragrance of Khalil's nature emanates from the garment of your character, and the brilliant signs of Abrahamic inheritance are evident in your steadfastness and firmness.

O thou whom God hath aided to follow in the footsteps of thy glorious uncle and unique and peerless ancestor! 'Abdu'l-Baha's utmost desire is that that illustrious family may become radiant and that lineage may become the dawning-place of lights.

O relatives of his honor Fath-i-A'zam! This title is most blessed, for praise be to God that nobility of lineage has been joined with excellence of character. Those souls are children of the heart and spirit of Fath-i-A'zam, not merely children of water and clay.

O fruit of that tree of the love of God! Truly both nobility of lineage and excellence of character are combined in you, and you are descended from the spiritual essence of that one ascended unto God, and emerged from his earthly nature. For you have taken up his path and found his way, and "the son is the secret of his father" has become manifest.

O handmaiden of Truth! You are a memorial of Fath-i-A'zam and a descendant of that magnificent spirit. Therefore, be associated with his character and nature and be known for his qualities and attributes.

Indeed, he sacrificed his soul for Prague and offered his body as an oblation for the friends. That pure and holy soul ascended to the luminous Kingdom, that spotless spirit passed beyond the spheres and became radiant in the eternal world.

O remnants of that favored servant of the divine threshold! That bird of the meadow of guidance hath hastened to the rose-garden of reality, and he hath left these companions as his heritage that after his return to the divine homeland, ye might irrigate the field he hath sown, arrange the flowers of true understanding in the boulevard of his hopes and aspirations, supplicate to the Kingdom of glory, and implore forgiveness on his behalf.

His Holiness 'Abdu'llah, from the Most Glorious Kingdom, offers you a thousand praises, for praise be to God, after his passing you have acquitted yourself well.

Your noble grandfather spent his days in life serving in the path of Truth and strove with heart and soul in transcribing the Words. He possessed an illumined heart, a merciful spirit, and pure intentions in the Divine Cause.

O thou who art the descendant of that wonderful soul!

Thine honoured father spent all the days of his life in sacrifice until he won the garland of victory in the field of service. He never rested for one moment nor was he at ease for a single day. Until he died he was always the target of darts and arrows, of curses and execration which rained down upon him from the wicked ones.

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O ye who remain of that orb which dawned in the horizon of the Kingdom of Abha!

Whenever I write to any one of you, my spirit becomes fragrant and my soul and consciousness are filled with honey and sugar, for mention of that embodied spirit flows from my pen.

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Walk thou in the footsteps of thy father, for he witnessed such evidences from thy Creator and beheld such signs from thy Lord as no eye hath ever seen, and attained that which hath shone forth from this holy, mighty and wondrous Scene.

We testify that thy father remained faithful to God's Covenant and did not break His pledge, and was among those who stood firm until his spirit ascended unto God, the King, the Mighty, the Inaccessible. Know thou that he is with Us and abides in manifest spirit and delight. Were the veil to be lifted, the servants would behold him in an exalted station, would arise to praise him among the people, and would beseech God for his station and companionship with him in the Ridvan of wondrous glory.

When I look at you, I see in you the joy of the loved ones who attained the Supreme Companion, His Holiness Aqa Siyyid 'Ali, and the essence of faithfulness who entered the Most Glorious Kingdom, Aqa Ghulam-Husayn Khan, and I smell from you the sweet and fragrant breaths of their love.

Although that cherished maidservant of God hastened from this mortal world to the eternal realm, yet praise be to God that she left you as her memorial.

Praise be to God, you are descendants of that father and mother who, from the beginning of the Revelation, drank from the pure cup and tasted the honey of the divine presence, and found repose in the shade of the Tree of Sinai. Through the gift of the All-Merciful they rejoiced and in the paradise of the love of God they prospered, until they hastened to the Abha Kingdom and attained the supreme gift.

O son of Nabil who ascended to the Kingdom of his Glorious Lord! May God assist you in all things and make you a brilliant sign and a radiant star in the horizon of possibility. Ask God that you may be a worthy memorial to that noble father and that in all conditions you may be detached from all else save God and adorned with the character of that one who ascended unto God, so that the mystery of "the son is the mystery of his father" may become evident and known, and in the gathering of the world, with a radiant face and endless joy, you may freely sacrifice your soul in the path of the Beloved. We have always held you in our thoughts and still do, never having forgotten you for a moment nor shall we ever do so. Be confident, and glory be upon you and upon all the loved ones of God. Give them glad tidings of God's favors in this mighty land.

O survivors of that spiritual adornment! Although that bird of the garden of divine knowledge has taken flight from the cage of contingent existence, praise be to God that it has winged its way to the nest of truth. In the garden of sanctity, upon the branches of the Tree of Paradise, it has built its nest, and in the eternal Paradise, among the boughs of the Divine Lote-Tree, it has begun to warble hymns of praise and glorification to God, for it has attained to such bounty and been blessed with such a gift.

O thou servant of God! Praise be to God that thou art related to one who was renowned for service at the Most Holy Court and known for servitude at the Threshold. At the first dawning of the light he became illumined by its radiant effulgence, and at the beginning of the Call he uttered the word "yea." He became so intoxicated with the wine of "Am I not your Lord?" that, dancing and clapping and waving his arms, he rushed to the field of sacrifice and gave up his life in the path of the Beloved. He set from the horizon of this world and, like the morning star, rose from the dawning-place of the Kingdom.

And upon thee be glory.

O leaf of the All-Merciful! Thy noble father was a lamp of light and one near to the threshold of the Lord. He was constant in service and perpetual in servitude. He was Ghulam-Husayn, renowned throughout East and West. The Blessed Beauty was well-pleased with him, and he was the object of praise of the Concourse on High.

Thy distinguished grandfather, Mirza Jalal, was illumined by the lights of the Beauty of God. Praise be to God that until his last breath he was intimate with the mention of the Beloved of the horizons and was firm and steadfast in the Cause. In truth, he was the brilliant lamp of that family and now shineth in the niche of the supreme realm.

O noble son of the illustrious Zaynu'l-'Abidin! Your distinguished father has taken flight to the Kingdom of lights. However, after perfecting his servitude at the Threshold of the Lord and enduring boundless troubles and hardships, praise be to God, he possessed such conduct, speech and deeds that he was the envy of the righteous and the object of jealousy to strangers.

Know ye the station of your father, for he is among those who emigrated unto God and attained His presence and heard His most wondrous, most beautiful, mighty and invincible call, and succeeded in serving the Cause in His days when every distant misbeliever turned away from it.

O remnants of that sanctified and blessed soul who was the namesake of the Desired One! Praise be to God that he attained his heart's desire, hearkened to the call of the loving Lord, turned unto the promised Beauty, took shelter beneath His outstretched shadow, and achieved a praiseworthy station. When he took flight toward the kingdom of mystery, he heard this call issuing from the Concourse on high: "Come onward and hasten!"

O ye survivors of two holy and blessed souls! Your letter was received. Its contents made clear and evident that through the protection and help of the Ancient Beauty ye remain, after the passing of his honour Sadiq, the august martyr's scion, firm and steadfast in the Cause of God. Ye are related to that servant of the Perspicuous Light, his honour Mishkin. That illustrious soul spent his whole life in humble, self-effacing, loving and sincere devotion to the Cause of God. He was the incarnation of spirit and the embodiment of light; and in outward perfections was distinguished from all his contemporaries.

O ye two remnants of the two noble souls, `Abdu'l-Majid and Siyyid Muhsin. The truth is that I find myself incapable of befittingly extolling those two blessed souls. Both were taught by the Blessed Beauty, were revived by the Fragrances of the Holy Spirit, and they both, like unto immovable mountains remained firm, steadfast and strong in Iraq.

O descendant of three noble ones! Your noble uncle, the venerable Haji Hasan, with a countenance bright as the moon, would day and night burn with passion in the gathering of the enamored and the assembly of the devoted. … Though he never attended any school for lessons and learning, he was a sugar-breaking parrot of knowledge and understanding. Though he was raised in a merchant's chamber, in the gathering of divine knowledge he would speak with utmost eloquence and grace.

O thou who art enkindled with the fire ignited in the Divine Tree!

For several years thy father had found shelter near the Ancient Beauty and reposed beneath the Lote-Tree of the Utmost Paradise, becoming intoxicated from the cup of nearness and specially blessed with the Most Great Bounty. For a long time, on most occasions, he was gladdened by the heavenly feasts of divine nearness and made drunk with the wine of reunion. Among the loved ones of the All-Merciful he was known and celebrated for his excellent character, manners, conditions and deeds.

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O servant of Baha! Your honored brother spread his wings and flew until he reached the nest of the divine birds and circumambulated the most exalted station of the Ancient Beauty, chanting with spiritual melody divine praise and glorification. At every moment he remembered you and kept you in his heart. He fulfilled the requirements of brotherhood and sacrificed his life in fraternal devotion.

And as to that which thou didst write concerning the departed, the exalted, the forgiven---thy revered father---upon whom are the ocean of God’s loving-kindness and mercy: in very truth this servant is powerless to recount his station and to extol his praise. Whatever may be said is not, and cannot be, worthy of him; for he was of those souls who were illumined and adorned with the lights of the Sun of steadfastness. The manifestations of divine favor toward him have been such that every pen is impotent and incapable to describe them.

The Supreme Pen makes mention of the people of that household. By My life! The departed and blessed one who was named Muhammad-'Ali, upon him be My glory and mercy, and those related to him have ever been and are remembered in the Most Holy Court.

O precious handmaiden at the Divine Threshold! When I mention thee I am reminded of that sanctified spirit, thy noble father, and how with utmost joy he drank the supreme cup of martyrdom and gave his life in the path of the Most Glorious Beauty.

O you who are steadfast in the Covenant! Your detailed letter was received, but I can only answer that ocean with a drop, as I do not have time. That family has been divine from the Day of Alast - they took up the cup of the love of God, drank from it and gave others to drink. Praise be to God that in all ranks and circumstances they remained steadfast in love and faithfulness, and the gaze of the favor of the Intended Lord encompassed them and endless bounties were attained. 'Abdu'l-Baha considers that family related to himself and counts all its members as faithful servants of the Abha Beauty. The servitude of that family will become evident and manifest in the future. All of this is due to the blessing of the sincerity of the respected grandfather and noble father, "and the blame of any blamer did not deter them in the Cause of God, rather they remained firm on the straight path with the firmness of a tree whose roots are fixed in the earth and whose branch is in heaven, not shaken by the force of winds even if they were to be hurricanes uprooting palm trees that have no firmness or stability."

Today the greatest gift is steadfastness in the Cause of the Lord and striving to diffuse the divine fragrances. Praise be to God, you are successful in both. Blessed art thou for this great bounty! Good news to thee for this manifest grace! Convey my utmost longing and consideration to all members of that family. And upon thee be the most glorious Glory.

O household of that kind friend! His Honor Akhund Mulla 'Ali held an exalted station in this dispensation and was distinguished among the righteous for his steadfastness and firmness. … In the path of God's good-pleasure he endured successive afflictions and bore consecutive calamities. Throughout his life he never drew an easy breath, and from beginning to end he sacrificed himself, finding joy and delight in self-sacrifice.

O descendants of His Holiness Mawzun and Siraju'sh-Shuhada, those two precious souls are alive through the breath of the All-Merciful and are intimate companions. In the Kingdom of holiness they chant the verses of the supreme gift and encourage you to follow their example, saying: "O you who were nurtured in the ark by two loving fathers, water ye the foundation they laid; adorn with mirrors and decorative arts the structure they established; complete the design they conceived; tend the saplings they planted, that this garden may become an eternal rose-garden and this meadow a true paradise."

O thou who art firm in the Covenant!

The family of His Holiness Nabil is associated with His Holiness the Glorious One, for in truth for sixty years that family has been serving the Threshold with the utmost faith and certitude. In every instance they were firm and in every station they were steadfast. This family, nay this lineage, possess eternal glory and heavenly bounty.

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Consider how much 'Abdu'l-Baha cherishes the faithfulness of your illustrious father in the path of the Gracious Lord. He endured every affliction and trial, drank deadly poison as though it were pure water, diffused the divine fragrances, and finally passed away to the sanctified Kingdom in sorrowful exile.

He was clear-sighted, for he was confirmed in service at the Sacred Threshold and assisted in servitude at the Court of Oneness. He was firm and steadfast in the Covenant and Testament of the All-Merciful, and until his final breath and ascension he remained stable and upright like a mountain of iron.

O blessed leaves! The Beloved of Martyrs, your illustrious grandfather, was unique among martyrs and peerless among the blessed. He shines forth like the sun from the horizon of the Most Great Martyrdom.

During his lifetime he arose to serve those near the Divine Threshold and was confirmed in servitude at the Sacred Court. You who are the honored spouse of that pure soul should live according to his way and conduct so that you may become the cause of his joy and delight in the eternal world.

O thou who art assured by the verses of God! If thou wert to open a hundred thousand tongues in praise of the Lord of Oneness for having been honored with kinship to that radiant candle of the gathering of sacrifice--that is, thine uncle who was accepted at the Divine Threshold--thou wouldst still not have rendered proper thanks or fulfilled thy debt for this bounty.

O thou who art a relative of a servant who hath attained the greatest gift of grace and bounty! O handmaiden of God, be thou glad and smile through the favor of thy Lord, inasmuch as He created thee from a father who believed in God and His signs, who was attracted by His fragrances, who stood firm in His Covenant, who hastened to His holy court, who circumambulated the sanctuary of the company of those near unto God, and who pressed his brow and face against the dust of His divine threshold.

O handmaid of God! As Shah-Siyavush was like an angel and a divine messenger, a devoted servant at the threshold of the Most Glorious Beauty - may my spirit be a sacrifice for His loved ones - therefore, after his ascension he became a guardian at the threshold of the Most Glorious Kingdom and was numbered among the true servants.

O handmaid of God! Your noble brother has traversed the realm of possibility and, taking up the cup of the love of God, has caused revelry and delight in the gathering of spiritual ones - a joy and gladness that will endure forever and ever. He never rested, never drew an easy breath, never sought comfort, never found repose, never settled down. Day and night he remained occupied in service at the Sacred Threshold, until he ascended to the horizon of glory and became the object of praise of the Concourse on High.

We have remembered thy father with a remembrance whereby the Concourse on High and they who circle round My mighty Throne do remember him, and We have adorned him with the ornament of forgiveness as a bounty from thy Lord, the All-Merciful.

We make mention of thy father, through whom the lips of mystical knowledge smiled in all creation and who attained the presence of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. We make mention of him with that which nothing on earth can equal, and We remember him throughout the duration of the kingdom and the heavenly kingdom.

We have remembered thy father, both before and after, who turned to the Countenance and gave up his spirit in the path of God, the Lord of all worlds. We testify that he has ascended to the Supreme Companion, and from him have the dwellers of the highest Paradise inhaled the fragrance of the love of his Most Glorious Lord. Exalted be this noble and gracious station.

Say: O Most Exalted Leaf, mentioned in the Crimson Book! Thou art she whom God created to arise for the service of His Own Self, the Manifestation of His Cause, the Dawning-Place of His Revelation, the Dayspring of His signs, and the Source of His laws. He strengthened thee in such wise that thou didst turn wholly unto Him when the servants and handmaidens turned away.

O people of faithfulness! When ye stand before the tomb of the Exalted Leaf who hath ascended unto the All-Glorious Companion, then arise and say:

Peace, exaltation, and glory be upon thee, O blessed Leaf sprung from the Lote-Tree! I bear witness that thou didst believe in God and in His signs, didst respond to His call, didst turn unto Him, didst hold fast to His cord, didst cling to the hem of His bounty, didst emigrate in His path, and didst choose for thyself a lonely resting-place in a strange land, out of love for meeting Him and longing to serve Him.

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And We have desired at this time to make mention of My handmaiden and My leaf who hath soared on the wings of longing unto God, the Lord of the Day of Mutual Meeting. … We testify that she turned when the Call was raised and answered her Lord with the word "Yea." We testify that she attained unto My days, held fast to My loving-kindness, clung to the hem of My mercy, and spoke My praise amongst My handmaidens and My leaves.

He is the Eternal!

Verily, the exalted leaf hath heard the call of the divine Lote-Tree and hath taken her flight unto it.

Upon thee be salutations and praise, O pride of the female kindred of that Blessed Tree whose Root is firmly established and whose Branch reacheth to the heavens!

Verily Your maidservant who was attracted by the fragrances of Your holiness, who was set ablaze with the fire of Your love, who proclaimed Your name and spread Your verses among Your creatures, has ascended unto You in humility and submissiveness, relying without provisions upon Your pardon and forgiveness in approaching You, seeking refuge in You, supplicating before You.

… She gave drink to every thirsty one from the cup of Your guidance and healed every sick one with the antidote of Your knowledge. She traveled in Your path to distant regions and proclaimed Your Kingdom in various lands until her flesh and fat melted away from the hardships she endured in Your path.

Say:

The first praise that appeared in the world of creation and the first mention that moved the tongues of the near ones be upon thee, O thou leaf that art firm and stirring upon the Lote Tree, ascending to the heaven of grace and mercy, and rising to the kingdom of power and grandeur! Blessed art thou for having been adorned with the ornament of eternity and for having cast off from thyself the garment of mortality.

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Mrs. Hearst has hastened from this dark and dreary world to the realm of Light; and has become detached from this nether world and has flown into the realm on High.

O my God! Endowed with a seeing eye, she beheld the rays of the Sun of Truth and endowed with a hearing ear, she hearkened to the call of the Kingdom. Possessing a keen sense of smell, she inhaled the fragrant scent of the Paradise of Abha, and gifted with a pure heart she overflowed with Thy love.

From the Far West, she journeyed to the Holy Land, attained the privilege of visiting the Sacred Spot and served Thy Kingdom.

Glory be to God! Though this leaf was from among the veiled ones and from a village, she was confirmed with such a spirit of reinforcement that renowned men were rendered helpless, and she became the cause of steadfastness, firmness, constancy and tranquility for all the believers in God's unity.

We testify that she attained the presence of God and heard the call of her Lord when the Desired One was seated upon the throne of His mercy that hath encompassed all who are in the heavens and on earth. Grieve not for her - verily she hath ascended unto the Sadratu'l-Muntaha, the Most Exalted Horizon, and the Supreme Companion.

The Most Exalted Pen at this moment hath desired to make mention of one of the leaves of the Divine Lote-Tree and one of His handmaidens. We testify that she departed from her home, turning toward the Supreme Horizon, and traversed deserts, mountains, land and sea until she arrived at the fortified City mentioned in the Books and Tablets, and attained the presence of the Countenance, and was blessed with what God had revealed in His Books.

O My leaf! Upon thee be the Glory of God and His mercy which hath preceded all who are in earth and heaven. I testify that thou didst turn to the Most Exalted Horizon out of love for the presence of God, the Lord of Names, and didst partake of the Choice Wine sealed by My Self-Subsisting Name in such wise that neither the veils of the divines nor the doubts of the theologians prevented thee.

Blessed is she, and blessed is the one who maketh mention of her after her ascension in the manner in which the All-Merciful hath made mention of her in the Kingdom of Utterance. Thus hath the Tongue spoken in this most sublime station. We have forgiven her and purified her at the time of her ascension, and adorned her with the ornament of My wondrous remembrance.

O Ali, verily We made mention of thee before, and We make mention of My handmaiden who hath ascended to the Most Glorious Horizon and the Supreme Companion. We make mention of her with a remembrance whose fragrance shall endure as long as My most beautiful names and supreme attributes endure.

We desired to make mention of one of My maidservants who turned toward My horizon and hastened to the Dawning-Place of the light of My countenance until she entered My abode and stood before the throne of My grandeur, and her eyes were solaced by My beauty, and she drank the choice wine of reunion in her final days from the cup of My bounty.

O My handmaiden and My leaf! Thou hast been mentioned in the presence of the Wronged One and hast not been forgotten. Today the glance of loving-kindness hath been directed toward the steadfast handmaidens of God, and will continue to be so.

News arrived from the palace that Aqa Baji has ascended from this mortal dust heap to the eternal heights of glory. After enduring eighty years of hardship and attaining to service, in her final days she escaped from the difficulties of physical realms and pitched her tent in the rose garden of divine mercy.

O thou wronged handmaiden of God! Although the wives of the rich and the powerful are accustomed to fine clothes and pillows of silk, in the end their plush beds will be transformed into coarse mats and humble dust within a narrow tomb. Their names and titles will be forgotten, and their days of ease and nights of pleasure will pass away.

O handmaiden of Truth! How fortunate a woman you were to have stepped into the cradle of existence in the age of the Ancient Beauty, to have grown and developed in the Most Great Century, to have been nurtured under the shade of the Tree of Providence, to have been guided by the light of guidance, to have heard the call of the Abha Beauty, to have turned your face toward the luminous countenance of the Sun of the Supreme Concourse, to have entered beneath the shadow of the Tree of the Covenant, and to have held fast to the pledge of the Luminary of the horizons.

Lua was heavenly, divine, merciful, attracted to the divine fragrances. That blessed leaf became the cause of guidance for many, for she had an attracted heart and an eloquent tongue and was occupied with teaching day and night.

The handmaiden of God, Lua, has hastened from this world to another world, and because of your request, a prayer was written for her behalf and was sent. … The intent is that you should speak well of her in every gathering and act according to faithfulness, and it is certain that you will do so.

And truly the humiliation and reproach which she suffered in the path of God is a fact which no one can refute. For the calamities and afflictions mentioned in the whole chapter are such afflictions which she suffered in the path of God, all of which she endured with patience and thanked God therefor and praised Him, because He had enabled her to endure afflictions for the sake of Baha.

This is one of the leaves of the Tree of Thy Oneness and a fruit of the Tree of Thy Singleness whose root is firmly established in the land of eternity and whose branch reacheth the highest heaven.

O God, verily calamities have so encompassed her in Thy path that her flesh hath melted away and her bones crumbled to dust. She wasteth away as a burning candle in her separation from Thee and weepeth as a bereaved mother in her remoteness from Thee.

News of the ascension and passing of the handmaiden of God, the All-Compelling, the Self-Subsisting - the mother of the martyrs - has caused grief to encompass me.

Lua, Juliet, May, Ella--how attached to each other they are!

Poor Lua! She is no more. She is very happy in the Kingdom of God!

She proclaimed Thy remembrance among the maidservants, her eyes were gladdened by witnessing Thy greatest signs, her ears delighted in hearing Thy call from the highest horizon, and her nostrils were perfumed by inhaling the fragrance of faithfulness from the most glorious garden. She did naught but turn to Thy generous face, draw from Thy mighty announcement, and drink from the deep and vast ocean. She spoke with the most excellent utterance, her spontaneous eloquence flowed forth as she gave glad tidings of the brilliance of lights and appearance of mysteries among the women and the righteous.

O relatives of the soaring attracted leaf, Khanum Bahirih - that cherished handmaiden of God during her lifetime chanted the evident verses and was the cause of exalting the Word of God. In every gathering she called to the Kingdom of God and in every assembly she shone like a candle with the light of the love of God. Her praiseworthy services at the Holy Threshold of the Blessed Beauty are remembered, and the trials and tribulations she endured in the path of God are well-known and evident.

The pure and holy handmaiden of God, the mother, although she cast off this physical garment, praise be to God she adorned the temple of the spirit with the robes of divine forgiveness and pardon and made it luminous. The ephemeral mirage was transformed into the eternal wine in the divine gathering. She was freed from deprivation and found her way to the private chamber of the Beloved. Upon her be greetings and praise.

Blessed art thou, O mother of My loved ones and she who hath shown kindness to My chosen ones. I testify that thy heart was a dawning-place of the love of God, thy tongue a source of His remembrance, and thy breast His view.

Verily, We make mention of a handmaiden among the handmaidens of God who hath ascended unto Him, even as We mentioned her before. I testify that she turned toward the Most Exalted Horizon and believed in God at a time when most of His servants had broken His Covenant. We testify that she desired to plunge into the ocean of utterance, but We forbade her, as a wisdom from Our presence, and We mentioned her in such wise as nothing can equal it.

As for the account of the departed and elevated mother, upon her be the Glory of God, at the very moment when news arrived of the ascension of that distinguished emigrant lady, this servant was engaged in writing in His presence. At that very moment, mention of her appeared from the horizon of the Pen. God knows that she attained. She was among the handmaidens who attained to His good-pleasure. Night and day she had no occupation except the mention of God. Blessed and welcome tidings to her.

The glory shining from the horizon of the heaven of My mercy be upon thee and upon every servant who turned and every handmaiden who turned and remembered thy days and visited thy resting place and read what hath been sent down in this time from the heaven of the utterance of God, the Lord of all who are in the heavens and earths.

Reflect upon the crimson leaf, upon whom be all the most glorious Glory of God. In view of the love and enkindlement and yearning and attraction that was in her, God, exalted and mighty be He, made her the object of mentions, for there was revealed in her honor that which shall endure as long as the kingdom of earth and heaven shall last.

We testify that she believed and recognized and answered her Ancient Lord, and We were with her at the time of her ascension, and We made mention of her before and after her passing.

O thou daughter of the Kingdom; O thou esteemed maidservant of God!

O thou Mrs. Peeke, pure and sanctified is the Lord of the Kingdom who released thee from this earthly world and led thee unto the Divine World, who took thee into the pure world out of this world of dust, delivered thee from separation, longing and yearning, and caused thee to soar up into the rose-garden of vision and meeting.

O thou sanctified bough of the Tree of Holiness! Though that illustrious offshoot was severed from the garden of the contingent world, he hath been joined to the sacred Lote-Tree and hath grown fresh and verdant in the garden of the Placeless. He hath been nurtured from the wellspring of living waters and stirred by the breezes wafting from the bowers of the Abha Kingdom. He hath entered the paradise of the Divine Presence, attained the court of the Almighty, and found his habitation in the bountiful realm of the All-Glorious.

Dear Mohsen, a prayer has been revealed in remembrance of His Holiness the Afnan of the Blessed Tree, the illustrious, noble and mighty branch (may my spirit be sacrificed for him) at the threshold of the Lord of Mercy, and a copy is being sent. One day, hold a memorial gathering at the Most Exalted Shrine and host a gathering with food, tea, and fruit. After the reading of the blessed prayer by the exalted souls, recite this prayer, and all together supplicate for his elevation of rank and for 'Abdu'l-Baha's success in servitude to the servants of the Blessed Beauty. The memorial gathering should be so orderly and spiritual that reverence and humility pervade all.

Prayer for the elevation of the station of the Most Great Lamp that was illumined with the light of guidance among the company of Afnans, the illustrious branch of the Blessed Tree, His Holiness Haji Mirza Muhammad-Taqi Vakilu'l-Haqq, upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious

He is God!

Exalted art Thou, O my God, in the loftiness of Thy sanctification above the praise of all created things, and elevated art Thou in the sublimity of Thy detachment above the attributes of all existence. Thou art independent of all mention and glorification, even were the lamps of inner meaning to burn and shine in the darkest of nights. The attributes of perfection and majesty cannot reach Thee, even were they the most subtle meanings from the perceptions of those endowed with understanding. How can the birds of thoughts, even if they be jewels of mysteries, flutter on the wings of consciousness in the heaven of Thy holy threshold?

O Lord! How can I call upon Thee with my prayer, which springs from my contingent existence when the lights shine forth from the Center of Glory? This is a twofold sin in the eyes of the righteous. Yet the ascension of Thy glorious servant, the noble branch of the Tree of Thy mercy, has caused hearts to throb, breasts to be constricted, and souls to be choked, until the heart's promptings wrested the reins of choice from Thy helpless, bewildered servant, compelling me to supplicate and beseech the Center of Lights to send down Thy great mercy upon that Manifest Light, and to cause successive layers of light to descend upon that purified, blessed, and glorious tomb.

O Lord! He was born in the cradle of chastity and perfection, suckled at the breast of love, infallibility, and beauty, and was reared in the lap of guidance, growing up in the embrace of piety and righteousness until he reached maturity. Then he was drawn to the Supreme Concourse, speaking words of praise, glorification, and thanksgiving, his tongue engaged in extolling the reality of Thy oneness and the essence of Thy singleness among all people. He became renowned in that noble homeland for every virtue that spread and became known in the fairest of regions, until both high and low bore witness that he was the sign of piety and the banner of faithfulness in that luminous spot.

When the dawn of guidance broke, the lights of the Most High spread abroad, and the Primal Point appeared--may my spirit be a sacrifice unto Him--this noble branch tasted the sweetness of the Call, responded to the summons, acquired illumination from the Kingdom of Mysteries, and arose with complete humility and submission among the righteous. Then the Sun of Truth shone forth from the horizon of sanctification, its lights spreading brilliantly across the horizons, illuminating the eastern and western parts of the earth in that manifest century. At that time, this lamp was kindled in the most delicate of glass, found guidance to the path, hastened on the wing of longing, and appeared in the gathering of splendor in the mother of Iraq.

He arose to serve Thy Cause among the worlds. O Lord! He rent asunder the veils, removed the coverings of glory, followed the traces, spoke among the chosen ones, showed the way, drank from the pure spring, established proof for those near of kin, opened the gate of knowledge, and spread conclusive evidences, brilliant proofs, and manifest signs, thus becoming an exemplar for the company of the God-fearing and a model for the band of the pure ones.

When the earth shook and heaven was cleft asunder, when the stars of the heights were darkened and the luminous planets were eclipsed, when the great calamity occurred and the world was darkened, when tribulation intensified and adversity and hardship encompassed all through the ascension of Thy glorious Beauty, the setting of Thy brilliant Light, and the disappearance of the Sun of Truth from the manifest horizon, this noble branch arose to serve Thee, standing firm in Thy mighty Covenant. He grew as a goodly plant in the garden of Thy ancient Testament, becoming for this servant of Thine the best of helpers and a trustworthy companion. He left his beloved homeland and migrated to the enemy's territory.

In that most distant region, that luminous land, that exalted quarter, the capital of the province of Kha, he sacrificed all his worldly possessions and, together with the loved ones, established a lofty edifice in that spacious city. He was the first to establish the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar on the face of the earth - a structure that drew all eyes, founded on piety in that vast expanse. He himself engaged in its construction, carrying stones morning and evening. Neither the weakness of his bones, nor the whiteness of his hair, nor his bent back, nor his frail frame prevented him from hauling earth and water and bearing heavy loads, until its foundations were laid, its structure raised, and its parts perfectly joined, crowned with a radiant dome whose light shone far and wide. Therein rose glorification and praise to the heights of heaven, and its cry reached Thy most glorious Kingdom.

Praise be to Thee, O my God, for having enabled him to render this mighty service and made him the first to establish the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar among the righteous, wherein verses of unity are chanted in the most beautiful melodies and the sincere ones supplicate to the Kingdom of Mysteries. O Lord! Thanks be to Thee for having assisted him at the end of his life to turn toward Thy luminous Spot and Thy Most Exalted Threshold, the circling-place of the Concourse on High. With a throbbing heart, tears flowing, his spirit rejoicing, and his face radiant, he hastened to the Center of Light, the Dawning-Place of Mysteries, and was honored to kiss that sacred, fragrant, and radiant earth whose sweet-scenting perfume pervades all regions. Then he was blessed to kiss the threshold of the Holy Court on Mount Carmel, which Thou didst honor in the texts of the Torah, the Psalms, and the Gospel. He dwelt near these two blessed spots, drank from both gushing springs, and his soul was gladdened by drawing near to the blessed Threshold whose light shines upon both East and West, until his last breath, when his remains were laid to rest in that good earth within sight of both blessed Thresholds.

O Lord! He is a branch of the tree of Thy mercy and a precious, tender shoot from the Lote-Tree of Thy light. Make him fresh and verdant with the droplets from the cloud of Thy mercy in the garden of Thy oneness. Draw him into the garden of meeting, and shower him at all times with the lights of Thy countenance in the gathering of manifestation and permanence, until he is encompassed by wondrous favors and immersed in the Ancient Light at the Center of Glory and Seat of Beauty. O Lord! Send down Thy all-embracing blessing and perfect gift upon his humble and submissive offspring, who are faithful to Thy Most Exalted Word and who have grown from the tree of Thy mercy among humanity. O Lord! Raise up Mahmud to a praiseworthy station and make him among the heirs of the Book, well-pleased and pleasing. O Lord! Make his noble son, Muhammad the Illustrious, a memorial of him among Thy servants and a righteous successor in Thy kingdom, that they both may arise to serve Thee like their father, that brilliant, shining star, that they may inherit the nobility of lineage and excellence of character from that great man. Include them with me in servitude at Thy exalted Threshold. Verily Thou art the Generous, Thou art the Great, Thou art the All-Merciful, the Ever-Merciful.

O forgiving Lord! Rif'at was clever, this young child was the lamp of the gathering and the sweet-singing bird of that dwelling. She would recite the verses and chant the words with the most wondrous melodies. She was like an articulate nightingale, in harmony with the Concourse on High.

That branch offered up his soul in the flower of his youth and with the utmost joy and gladness he hastened to the realm beyond.

O Lord! He lived with a pure face, a clear heart, a sanctified soul, and a joyous spirit in Thy mighty Dispensation and manifest Era. O Lord! He was set aflame by the fire of Thy love from the blessed Tree raised on the Sinai of Beauty, the Center of Glory - its oil would well-nigh shine even though no fire touched it. No blame of the blamer nor vengeance of the vengeful deterred him in his love for Thee. Rather, he sacrificed his spirit at every moment and feared not the might of kings nor the ranks and drawn swords of thousands.

O blessed leaf who bore that luminous youth and divine martyr! Without doubt you are the shell that contains the hidden pearl and treasured gem, who nurtured that brilliant pearl in your embrace through the spring rains. Therefore you are infinitely respected in the presence of 'Abdu'l-Baha, especially since in the face of this supreme martyrdom you have shown submission and acquiescence, and are joyful at the sacrifice of this beloved son and open your tongue in thanksgiving.

O peerless sapling in the garden of that glorious martyr! Blessed art thou to be a sapling of that garden! Blessed art thou to be a star in that heaven! Blessed art thou to be a lamp in that night-chamber! Blessed art thou to be a ray of that brilliant star! Blessed art thou to be a memento of that radiant orb! Blessed art thou to be a royal pearl from that ocean of mercy!

O thou who art the remembrance of that divine martyr!

Although that bird of the garden of truth hath winged its flight to the eternal nest and built its nest upon the divine Lote-Tree of the presence of the One True God, praise be to God, this bird of the branches of guidance hath been left as a remembrance for the beloved friends, that his character and loving nature and heart-attracting qualities may be manifest and present in the gathering of the friends, and that he may become the manifestation of his signs and attributes.

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I bear witness that thou wast born in sanctity and didst ascend unto God with a countenance unaltered by earthly conditions and tribulations, until thou didst enter within the precincts of the mercy of thy Lord, the All-Loving, the All-Merciful. I bear witness that thou wert mature before attaining maturity, and wert strong in the Book of God, the Lord of the mighty Throne.

O Zayn! We wish to make mention of thy son who ascended unto Us and attained unto Our horizon and drank the choice wine of Our Revelation and immersed himself in the ocean of Our mercy which hath preceded all created things.

O spiritual friends! Jinab-i-Mirza Mahdi Ikhwan-i-Safa devoted his life to the exaltation of the Word of God. He never rested for a moment, constantly traveling from city to city and village to village. He was a detached soul possessing an attracted spirit, with a pure and goodly heart and an eloquent tongue. Patient in tribulations, he occupied himself with the guidance of souls. Therefore, that pure spirit was cherished and respected in the presence of 'Abdu'l-Baha, nay rather, in the Concourse on High. Though his worth and station are unknown at present, they shall soon become manifest and apparent.

His honor "he who attained the presence of his Lord," Jinab-i-Muntaha Aqa Mirza Mahdi, the pure brother, truly arose as he should to servitude and became the cause of exalting the Word of God in all regions. Like a life-giving breeze he traveled everywhere, was a divine herald and bearer of infinite bounties.

O Lord! Gudarz the Persian was asleep and awakened, was unconscious and became conscious. … He was God-seeking, God-speaking, of goodly character and radiant countenance, until he went to Qazvin and became intimate and confidant with the friends.

He was truly a great personage - noble and distinguished, eminent and excellent. He was an expounder of proofs and evidences, and an establisher of divine arguments and demonstrations. He trained children who today are distinguished, independent, and intimate with divine mysteries.

O My Most Exalted Pen! Make mention of him who heard My call, held fast to My cord, and uttered My praise. He is indeed of the people of Baha and the companions of the Crimson Ark. Say: The first light that dawned from the horizon of the Most Merciful's utterance and the first fragrance that wafted in the days of God, the Lord of all beings - upon thee, O thou who didst attain unto faith when the people were wrapped in the darkness of vain imaginings.

He was a tree bearing fruits, and a Lote-Tree bearing praise and remembrance.

O My loved ones in Taft! Recognize the exalted station and make mention of it through that which hath been sent down from My Most Exalted Pen. Blessed is he who loved him and made mention of him before and after his ascension.

He arose to guide humanity, healed the deaf, the dumb and the blind, and brought the dead to life through the spirit of guidance. He served Thy Most Exalted Threshold through the confirmation of the All-Powerful One. He spoke in praise and called to Thy Most Supreme Kingdom.

He became a brilliant niche for the light of guidance and the horizon of the All-Merciful for the star of guidance. He raised such a banner that will wave at the pole of the horizons until eternity, and planted such a seed that will grow as a lofty tree in the Most Glorious Paradise. May my soul be sacrificed for the earth upon which his pure, brilliant blood was shed!

Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Ahmad Qa'ini, that luminous figure and divine soul, during the height of war between nations and peoples, reached the shore of the Holy Land with utmost difficulty. Since the routes were blocked, he stayed at the Holy Threshold and, with complete attraction and enthusiasm, arose to tend the Holy Garden. He had no rest day or night, and while watering like at the Sacred Mosque, he was immersed in the sea of prayers.

O you who are struck by calamity! His honor Nush found every poison (zahr) sweet (nush) and was the embodiment of reason and intelligence. He spent his days in praise of the Lord of Creation and became the cause of guidance for many.

O Forgiver! Mehraban Bahram has turned his face from this world and hastened to the heavenly realm, completing his work. At the time of his ascension he chanted "O Glory of God, the Most Glorious!"

Truly this departed one was accomplished, outspoken, articulate, calling out the appearance of God's Kingdom to both near and far. Though separation is unbearable, yet unto thy Lord is the ultimate return.

O steadfast one in the Covenant! The letter which thou didst address to Jinab-i-Minshadi was noted. Since that sweet-singing bird hath winged its flight to the gardens of the Self-Sufficing Lord, this servant shall undertake to reply. His Holiness Minshadi was in truth a resplendent garden whose sweet fragrance was diffused throughout the East and the West. Now that garden hath been transported to the eternal realm, that its sweet perfume may make fragrant the nostrils of the spiritual world....

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Indeed, Jamalu'd-Din, the renowned wayfarer in every clime who diffused the fragrance of the love of God, has become a wayfarer in the realms of God which are hidden from the eyes of the veiled ones. Al-Fatihih 1316 AH.

His honor Nabil-i-Qabil-'Ali--may my spirit be a sacrifice for his ecstasy--rose like the morning star from that horizon and so shone with the lights of the knowledge of God that he illumined those regions. What afflictions and trials he endured in the path of God, and what hardships and calamities he suffered in his love for God, until he became homeless and a wanderer far from his native land. At last he took refuge beneath the shadow of divine grace and hastened to the Supreme Concourse in the precincts of God's mercy.

O friends of the Lord of Unity! His honor Ali Haydar, upon him be the Glory of God, was in the days of God a manifestation of favor and a dawning-place of the light of guidance. He was a believer and one assured in faith, and he stood firm in service. The Blessed Beauty showed him great consideration. After the Ascension also he remained firm and steadfast in the Covenant and exerted his utmost effort in service to the Cause of the Desired One, until with the utmost longing and ecstasy he was attracted to the Abha Kingdom and hastened to the vicinity of the Most Great Mercy.

That blessed being, from the beginning of his growth and development, became intoxicated with the wine of the love of God, took in hand the cup of mystical knowledge, and in the rose-garden of certitude, distributed the crimson wine of the favors of the All-Merciful.

In the love of God he was young, and in the knowledge of God he became a learned adult. In promoting the Cause he grew old and weak, and finally, with a radiant countenance, spiritual ecstasy, divine attraction and heavenly orientation, he hastened to the horizon of glory and found his place in the Abha Kingdom and the Supreme Companion.

Concerning what you wrote about his honor, the elevated and blessed Haji Mulla 'Ali - upon him be God's peace, remembrance, praise, care and favors - through God's grace, exalted be His glory, during his life he drank what was to be drunk, and after his ascension he attained unto that which none save God can properly comprehend. Blessed is he, and his is a goodly beginning and end.

We were with him at the time of his ascension and made mention of him in such wise as caused the ocean of forgiveness to surge and the fragrances of God's tender mercy, the Forgiving, the Merciful, to waft. Blessed is he and blessed is he who maketh mention of him after his ascension through that which hath been sent down from One ancient in descent.

He said: "O Karim! Verily My servant Asdaq has a great station with thy Lord. He is among those who attained recognition of God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting, in the beginning of the Cause. We have mentioned him in the Books and Psalms and remember him in My days. Thy Lord is verily the Kind, the Forgiving. Blessed is he who found companionship with him in his lifetime and visited him after his passing. My Most Exalted Pen testifies that he perceived My fragrance, hastened to My Cause in My direction, and arose to serve this Cause whereby every firm edifice was shaken.

"O Crimson Leaf and Most Glorious Sign! I bear witness that through thee the fire of love and affection was kindled in the hearts of the servants. Thou art she who chanted at all times the praise of God, the Lord of all beings. Thou art she who heard the Call in the beginning of days, and the attraction of the utterance of the All-Merciful seized thee in such wise that thy heart was melted and thy very being was set ablaze. Through thee appeared the rustling of the Divine Lote-Tree and the cry of the Kingdom was raised amongst creation.

For his holiness Vahid hath this been revealed, he who beheld the Countenance of God, the All-Glorious, the Almighty, and who in His path sacrificed himself, arose to serve His Cause and quaffed his fill of the draught of certitude from the Hand of his Lord, the Munificent.

O unique, peerless, and glorious martyr! I salute your pure dust and your holy, blessed, and fragrant resting place through the holy breaths that waft over you from the Supreme Concourse and the lights that fall upon you from the Abha Kingdom and the rainfall that perfumes your expansive precinct.

Ere long you shall observe that in the place of martyrdom, from the effect of that noble one's blood, tulips and sweet basil shall grow, and hyacinth and jasmine shall spring forth.

Verily, those near unto God wandered through deserts and wilderness, mountains and valleys, seeking fragments of your bodies that perchance they might inhale from them the fragrance of the love of God, your Creator, your Beloved, your Goal, your Worshipped One, and your Quickener.

That distinguished martyr, like unto a lucky star, shineth from the dawning-place of divine unity, luminous, resplendent and unmistakable, though mortal eyes are debarred from beholding him. With his face beaming with light, with a luminous brow and enthralling beauty, he is calling aloud from the summit of the heaven of glory, saying:

O my friends! O honoured ones!

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All the Concourse on High and the birds of the gardens of Abha utter his praise and glorification, and the maidens of the exalted Paradise remember and extol him in pavilions of supreme glory. For that essence of being and that reality attracted to the fragrances of the Worshipped One became so intoxicated and bewildered by the sealed wine that in complete ecstasy and joy he hastened to the field of sacrifice and laid down his life.

But the fame of the beauty of Joseph is still universal and the honor of the disciples of Christ still endures; their sufferings are the cause of life everlasting.

O Letter Ha! By God, through thee the horizon of faithfulness dawned and that was manifested whereby the Cause of God, Creator of the heavens, was spread abroad. Blessed is the eye that hath wept for thy calamities, and the ear that hath heard thy praise, and the face that hath turned toward thee, and the soul that hath hastened until it reached thy resting-place - the spot honored by thy noble body and thy sacred and glorious temple.

He was in truth, an embodiment of spirituality and an image of light. Whenever his radiant countenance is called to mind I feel a divine happiness. The splendors of truthfulness, love of God and knowledge of God emanated from his effulgent and luminous brow. His resignation and submission unto the Will of God was evident and manifest.

O servant! Rejoice within thyself that thou wast confirmed in the good-pleasure of God and the recognition of His Self, and wast content with His good-pleasure until thou didst sacrifice thy spirit in His path. And verily We were with thee when thou didst ascend unto God with manifest humility and submission.

Throughout his life in the divine path he was never safe from danger for a moment, and was constantly under threat of sword and blade, yet he showed no fear and did not shy away from great tribulation. He was courageous and fearless, luminous and radiant. He was imprisoned repeatedly and fell under chains and fetters, but never showed any weakness, and like a mighty mountain maintained perfect dignity and composure. For fifty years he was enthralled by the Kingdom of Beauty and sacrificed his life in the path of the All-Glorious.

Blessed are you, then blessed are you, in this most exalted station and infinite lofty degree. Bravo, bravo to you, O sign of guidance and banner of the Most Glorious Kingdom!

Praise and worship are befitting to the Lord Who made those assured souls to walk firmly in the footsteps of their noble father, so that they acquired his nature and character, made their dwelling in the path of the Friend, and turned their faces toward the countenance of the Beloved of the horizons.

This is a day wherein the Tree of Utterance hath spoken at the heart of creation concerning that which hath appeared in the realm of origination and that which hath befallen its branches. Sorrows have encompassed Me by reason of your grief, as witnessed by the Divine Lote-Tree and its branches.

Blessed is the earth that hath been honored by thee, and the precincts that have been ennobled by thy presence, and the air that hath been mingled with thy breath.

Consider that they did not bury His Holiness the Prince of Martyrs (may my spirit be sacrificed for him) and all his companions in Muslim cemeteries, but left them covered in blood and mixed with dust in the land of Taff. Yet observe that those built-up graves became covered pits with no trace remaining, while that pure earth is eternally radiant in the world.

May greetings of mercy and good-pleasure be upon your radiant dust, your white spot, your purified grave and your illumined tomb, O namesake of Glory, concealed in devotion, manifest in faithfulness, trusted one of the chosen ones, pillar of the pious ones, exemplar of martyrs and support of the people of sacrifice.

The saints of Baha, may my life be a sacrifice to the dust of His martyrs, gaze down eagerly from on high and whenever they see patience and fortitude, strength and long suffering among such as follow in their footsteps. They glorify them saying proudly, 'Praise be to God that although we left the world of dust and flew to the kingdom of divinity those we left behind are faithful and steadfast in the Cause of God. The world of humanity is not bereft of this effulgence; the gathering of humankind still shines with this light'.

Although they have sacrificed their heads in the world of dust, they have raised them in the world of sanctity. Though they have spilled their pure blood upon the dusty earth, they have clung to the hem of grandeur in the kingdom of the Most Glorious and sweetened the cup of martyrdom at the banquet of reunion with nectar and sugar.

O descendant of that martyred leader, that luminous star! Though outwardly he set in the west of sacrifice, in reality he rose and shone forth from the luminous horizon. "Think not of those who are slain in God's way as dead. Nay, they live, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord." That manifest light is radiant in the ancient horizon, and that illumined candle is gleaming, shining and brilliant in the glass of the mighty Kingdom.

I testify that you showed patience in tribulation, remained steadfast in hardship and trials, drank the cup of cruelty, and became the target of arrows of accusations in those regions - all out of passionate love for God, seeking God's good pleasure, becoming bewildered in the beauty of God, and turning toward Him Who created the earth and heavens.

He is God, exalted is He in justice and bounty!

O friends of God and His party! Today the light of justice has become veiled, nay obliterated, by the oppression of the world's oppressor, for grievous blows from the wicked ones have been inflicted upon His blessed body. In the land of Ya, clamor has been raised; pure and assured souls have been seized out of sheer wickedness and for the taking of money, bound with ropes in utmost humiliation, and the masses struck them with chains, stones and clubs, and brought them before the exalted deputies - the dawning-places of tyranny and vice, the daysprings of self and passion. After seizing whatever possessions they had, they martyred them with the most grievous torment.

The Pharaoh of the age said to one of those blessed souls, "Come, recant." In reply he said: "For forty years I have awaited this day, and praise be to God, today I have attained unto it." Another, while passing before the faces of the oppressors, uttered these exalted words: "O people! The Lord of the Martyrs said 'Is there any who will help me?' and this servant says 'Is there any who will behold me?'" His purpose was that that oppressed one yearned for the draught of martyrdom rather than awaiting a helper. At these blessed words, the tears of the denizens of Paradise descended and the sighs of the people of Paradise ascended.

Glory be to God! In these days two mighty things have appeared: from the right, the banquet of the friends, and from the left, the battle of the wicked ones. The Wronged One of the world would recite one verse befitting the pavilion of the feast, and reveal another verse in remembrance of the martyrs. And in these days the greatest glad-tidings was mentioned in the Most Great Scene, and that was the ascension of one of the friends to the Supreme Companion and the Most Glorious Horizon. Exalted be His grace that hath encompassed the world and all peoples, and exalted be His utterance whereby the Concourse on High and the dwellers of the seat of the throne have been enraptured.

He who was named 'Abdu'llah in the Book of Names - we testify that he turned to the Lord of mankind in the earliest days when most in the land turned away, and we testify that he acknowledged what the Tongue of Grandeur spoke in the prison of 'Akka and before it, and recognized God, His sovereignty, His Manifestation, and His power amidst His world and His creation. He it is who endured hardships and tribulations out of love for God, the Lord of Names, and there befell him at the hands of the enemies that which caused the people of the pavilion of purity and chastity in the Most Exalted Paradise to weep.

We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, to send down upon him in every moment mercy from His presence and loving-kindness from His own Self. Verily He is the Mighty, the Bestower. And we beseech Him, exalted be He, to establish his station in the shade of the Divine Lote-Tree and give him to drink of the Kawthar of immortality from the hands of grace and bounty. Verily He is the Powerful over what He willeth. There is no God but He, the All-Bountiful, the Most Generous, the Forgiver, the Mighty, the Bestower.

The Wronged One testifieth that at his mention the ocean of forgiveness surged and the fragrance of his Lord's loving-kindness was diffused, and the Herald called out from the Kingdom of Utterance: "O people of the earth! Hear, then know that through his ascension and rising, the lips of the Concourse on High and the people of the pavilion of glory in the Most Exalted Paradise have smiled." Blessed is he who remembereth him with what hath been revealed from My Most Exalted Pen in this Most Holy, Most Exalted, Most Glorious Station. We beseech God to comfort his sons, his family and his loved ones, and to adorn them with the ornament of patience and composure. Verily He is the Mighty, the Powerful, the Unconstrained.

We send greetings to the friends of that land and counsel them with that which will exalt their stations amongst the servants. O physician, upon thee be My salutation and My glory. We beseech God to aid thee in that which He loveth and is pleased with, and to assist thee in that which will draw thee nigh unto Him in all conditions. Praise be to God! Mention of you hath been and is before the Wronged One. We hope that henceforth thou wilt hold fast unto that which will cause the world of utterance to testify to the loftiness of thy station and thy exalted rank. His honor Mirza Zaynu'l-Abidin, upon him be the peace of God and His loving-kindness, must in all conditions fix his gaze upon the Truth. Praise be to God! He hath spent all his days in the love of God and hath been occupied in offering praise unto Him. We beseech God to protect him and to open before his face the door of His loving-kindness. Verily, He is powerful over all things. All the friends are remembered in the presence of the Wronged One. For each one We ask that which is the cause of success and prosperity. The command is in the hand of God, the Lord of what was and what shall be. Verily, we are God's, and to Him shall we return.

By God, I am none other than the soul of Ali among you, and the spirit of Muhammad within you, and the beauty of God before you! Fear ye God, and be not of the wrongdoers! Fear God, and shed not the blood through which the pillars of the Throne are shaken, and the foundations of Paradise do tremble, and the hearts of them that are nigh unto God are consumed!

We have sacrificed in the prison one of the Branches.

… By My life! In that station he payeth no heed to those on earth, having been seized with the intoxication of the wine of thy Lord's mercy, the Mighty, the Gracious.

O thou who art mentioned before the Wronged One! Call to mind when 'Ali-Qabli-Akbar proceeded to the Prison accompanied by My Name Jamal and a few other souls.

… When thou attainest unto the Tablet of God, turn thy face toward the Land of Ta and say: The essence of remembrance and praise be upon thee, O thou who didst bear hardships in the path of God, the Creator of heaven, and didst drink from the cup of tribulation in His love, the Mighty, the Wondrous.

Blessed is he who maketh mention of them and remembereth their remembrance and presenteth himself before their graves, saying: "I testify that ye have attained unto that which none before you have ever attained.

Reflect upon Abu-Basir and Ashraf and that which was manifested from them. … Blessed are they both, and blessed is he who visiteth them, who seeketh them out, who turneth toward them, who maketh mention of them, and who draweth nigh through them unto God, the Forgiving, the Generous.

With illumined hearts and radiant faces did they ascend.

Praise be to God, you have traversed a great distance, reached the intended destination, arrived at the Ka'bah of existence, entered the Most Remote Temple, circled the sacred precincts of the Most Great, and perfumed your nostrils with the holy dust.

Remember thou the days when thou wert beneath the canopies of thy Lord's grandeur, when in the morning the breath of loving-kindness wafted over thee, and in the evening the fragrances of revelation were diffused before thy face, and at dawn the gentle breeze of God, the Kind, the Gracious. Blessed are the days when thou didst stand at the door, hearing His verses, beholding His horizon, and speaking His beauteous praise.

O Husayn! Blessed art thou for having sought the Ultimate Goal and the Most Exalted Horizon while the Wronged One was held beneath the talons of hatred through that which the hands of the oppressors have wrought. At the time of thy ascension there was revealed for thee that which hath diffused the sweet savors of the loving-kindness of thy Lord, the Forgiving, the Merciful.

Blessed art thou, O Nasir, for having heard and responded and believed and turned until thou didst enter and attain presence and didst hear what the Son of Imran heard on the Mount of Knowledge and didst see what the Beloved saw of the signs of his Lord, the All-Merciful. I testify that thou didst attain the lights of reunion and didst drink the choice wine of nearness and meeting from the hands of thy Lord's bounty in the beginning and the return.

And We have desired at this time to make mention of him who was named Muhammad-i-Qa'ini. He departed from his homeland, seeking his supreme homeland beneath the canopies of the mercy of his Lord, the Most Glorious. Fate prevented him from attaining the presence of the Lord of all beings, and he ascended on the path to the abode of the Guide, where the mercy of his Lord embraced him, until it caused him to enter the Most Exalted Paradise, as a bounty from His presence.

Thy letter reached the Wronged One and the servant in attendance submitted it. From it We inhaled the fragrance of thy love, thy humility, thy lowliness, thy turning unto the Most Exalted Horizon, thy hearkening to the rustling of the Divine Lote-Tree, and thy steadfastness in this Cause whereby feet have slipped. We have previously revealed unto thee that which spoke of My grace and My loving-kindness, and bore witness to My mercy and My bounty. Thus hath the matter been decreed from the Pen of God, the Lord of all men. In thy letter was mentioned him who ascended unto My horizon and turned toward the Most Exalted Paradise and the Supreme Summit. We have revealed for him that which hath attracted the hearts of the righteous ones.

O My Most Exalted Pen! Make mention of him who was named Ahmad, who detached himself from all else save Me and turned toward My horizon, who bore hardships in My path and heard the taunts of the enemies for My sake in My days, who sought the Ultimate Goal and the Most Exalted Horizon, who traversed the path to attain the presence of the Glorious One and to hearken unto the proof and evidence from the tongue of his Lord, the Mighty, the Beautiful, until he arrived at the Prison and stood before the Gate, and heard the Call with his own ear and beheld the Most Exalted Horizon with his own eye. We bear witness that he attained unto that which the All-Merciful had revealed in former Books and wherewith He had, through His grace, given glad tidings unto His servants. He took the chalice of meeting in the name of the Lord of all beings and the Kawthar of reunion through His wondrous Command. Blessed is he, and joy be unto him, and happy and wholesome be it unto him. Verily he attained, he achieved victory, he heard and he responded. We have purified him at the time of his ascension and forgiven him as a bounty from Our presence. We beseech God to send down upon him at all times a blessing from His presence and a mercy from His own Self. Verily He is the Most Merciful of the merciful ones and the Most Generous of the generous ones, and He is the Ancient Bestower. Blessed is he who visiteth him, as attested by My Pen in My prison and as hath flowed from the tongue of My loving-kindness. Verily he is of the people of this exalted station.

O Muhammad-Rida! Upon thee be the Glory of God, Creator of heaven! We have mentioned thy father in a manner unequaled by any mention among mentions. Give thanks unto thy Lord for this bounty whereby the horizons have been illumined. We enjoin thee and those with thee to gracious patience, and verily I am the All-Patient, the All-Wise. By the life of God! Were what hath been ordained for him to be revealed even less than the eye of a needle, spirits would take flight and bodies would quake. Verily thy Lord is He Who speaketh at the journey's end.

Hearken in Persian: Praise be to God, he hath attained unto that which was recorded and inscribed in the divine Books of the past and present. He heard and saw that which came into being from nothingness for his sake, before his ascension and after. He attained unto the verses of the Supreme Pen. He hath been mentioned with such mention that were it cast upon the earth, it would quiver and say: "Praise be unto Thee, O Lord of Names, and glory be unto Thee, O Creator of Heaven!"

We counsel thee to patience and forbearance and pure, sincere deeds, for he is in a station where he heareth and seeth. No matter of your affairs is hidden from him. He heareth and seeth, verily his Lord is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. We have mentioned repeatedly the friends in that land, especially in these days when there hath been revealed for every city, town and village that whose fragrance shall never cease and which shall mention the loved ones in most eloquent terms. Blessed are they who attain! Praise be to God, the Lord of the Worlds.

O 'Ali! Thou art in the highest Paradise while the Wronged One remembereth thee in the prison of 'Akka, and remembereth the days of thy presence and thy meeting, and the love which took from thy grasp the reins of patience and forbearance, and brought thee time and again to this place wherein the Call hath been raised morning and evening.

We have deposited his luminous remains in a land called Izmir. Verily it is God's trust in that blessed and wondrous spot. Blessed is he who draweth nigh unto it and visiteth it with that which hath been revealed from the Pen of his Lord's Revelation, the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful.

Blessed art thou, O 'Abdu'r-Rahim! Thou didst hear My call and turn to My horizon, and didst soar in My atmosphere and speak My praise in My days, and didst prostrate thyself before My countenance and humble thyself before My sovereignty, and wert assured of My Manifestation and My verses, and didst hearken unto My words and attain the effulgences of the lights of the Sun of My bounty, and didst arise to serve Me amongst My servants and to assist My loved ones.

May the shining light and brilliant radiance from the Supreme Horizon envelop the soil that contains your pure and purified grave and encompasses your sanctified and venerated body.

The eyes of the people of the Most Glorious Kingdom have wept, and tears have flowed from the eyelids of the people of the exalted scenes of grandeur upon the fragrant soil of your shrine and the perfumed earth of your resting place.

O you who are a remembrance of that brilliant star!

Now that you have reached that region and picked flowers and herbs from that garden of love, you must hasten to Bukhara on behalf of 'Abdu'l-Baha and visit the fragrant shrine of His Holiness the learned Nabil, upon him be the Glory of God.

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O fragrances of God! Pass by, perfumed with ambergris, over the earth wherein lies one who turned to God and returned to God, tranquil, content and well-pleased.

And regarding the performance of the memorial service which your honor has undertaken - may God reward you as befits Him - this point that the pillars should undertake Islamic observances while turning away from this momentous news - O how I bewail this grief to You! Alas, then alas for his ascension to the Supreme Concourse. Never has time seen among the souls of the Shi'ih one like him.

O Shukru'llah! Thou art in the Most Exalted Paradise, and the Wronged One mentioneth thee in the prison of 'Akka. We beseech God to send down upon thee a mercy from His presence and a light from His own Self. Verily He is the Most Merciful of the merciful. He loveth His friends and remembereth them before and after their ascension, holding in His grasp the reins of grace, and He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.

O Mihdi! Blessed is thy father who migrated from his home in his longing to attain the presence of God and appeared before the Throne when the Cause was veiled in manifest obscurity. He drank from the Kawthar of reunion before its manifestation and attained to the Hidden Mystery before its revelation. To this testifieth He with Whom is a mighty Book. He was with Me for numbered days in the prison of Mim.

The first fragrance wafting from the musk of inner meanings and utterance be upon thee, O thou who didst sacrifice thy soul in the path of the All-Merciful! I testify that thou didst cast away idle fancies and didst turn with the light of certitude to the Dawning-Place of inspiration, and the attraction of the Call drew thee to the supreme horizon in days wherein the fire of hatred blazed in the breasts of those who cast away godliness and denied God's proof, the Lord of all beings and the Lord of the Throne on high and of earth below.

O eyes brightened by turning towards the Splendor of the Daystar of Thy Revelation! O ears made receptive by listening to the Call of the Lord! O nostrils invigorated by inhaling the pure breath of the Guidance of God ! O palates refreshed by tasting every bitterness yet sweetened in the path of the Love of God! May my spirit be a sacrifice for you! May my being be a sacrifice for you ! May my reality be a sacrifice for you! O brilliant faces! O heavenly souls! O celestial severed heads! O orbs of oneness! O divine soldiers! Blessed are ye! Well done! Glory be upon you!

Blessed art thou, O Mas'ud, for having turned to the Supreme Companion in the Days of God, thy Lord and the Lord of thy forefathers, and for having attained unto His traces in thy life and after thy death. We make mention of thee at this time in such wise as the near ones bear witness to God's loving-kindness, His grace and His mercy that have preceded all who are in the heavens and on earth.

Blow O ye sweet fragrances of God! Breath O ye breezes of God! Proceed ye to the city towards the south, a land within which layeth to rest a soul breathed into its heart and soul the spirit of God, a land which embraced a body gathered under the banner of God, and a heart attracted by the sweet fragrances of God, and limbs and members enkindled by the fire of the Love of God.

I bear witness that you tore away the veils of glory, rent asunder the coverings, and dispersed the darkness through the power of clear verses. You responded to the call raised from the Abha Kingdom, guided the thirsty ones to the fountainhead of certitude and the spring of assured truth, called them to the manifest light, directed them to the straight path, and exalted the mention of your Lord among all peoples.

I bear witness that thou didst turn toward the all-highest paradise and didst attain unto that which most of the people have not attained. I testify moreover that thou didst verily bear hardships and tribulations in the path of God, the Fashioner of the heavens. So unwavering was thy conviction that neither the blame of blamers nor the denial of the ungodly among the women held thee back in the Cause of God.

O ye in mortal graves! The peace of God, He Who is the Lord of Revelation and the Speaker on Sinai, rest upon you. Blessed are ye, for ye were endowed with faith in days when trembling seized the limbs of all religions. May the Glory of God rest upon you, upon the origin of your beings and the end thereof, and upon your outer temples and inner selves.

I testify that from your early youth, nay from your tender age, you turned to your Lord and answered the call of your Master when it was raised between earth and heaven. You were attracted by the holy fragrances wafting from the garden of eternity, and were set ablaze with the fire of the love of God among His chosen ones.

… You sacrificed yourself completely for His martyred loved ones, and you sacrificed your affairs and the worthless things of this world and all you possessed in the lower realm in the path of God.

O my beneficent Lord! Verily, Thy servant ‘Ali-Akbar hath believed in Thee and in Thy Signs; hath acknowledged Thine omnipotence and Thy sovereignty; hath been attracted by the fragrance of Thy sweet savours; hath become enkindled by the fire of Thy love, even whilst in the flower of life and the flush of youth; hath proclaimed Thy Name amongst his fellows; hath supplicated unto Thee with a heart intensely ardent; and hath summoned the people unto the kingdom of Thy grace, both in the daytime and in the night season, with a goodly manner, a gracious disposition, and a radiant heart, and with a breast dilated through the contemplation of Thy most resplendent signs.

O God! He was a bird warbling in Thy Rose Garden, a lion roaring in Thy forests, and a leviathan swimming in Thy ocean, until the World of Existence was too confining for Him. So when the day of His destiny came He returned to Thee with a heart attracted to Thee, His countenance radiant, tears of joy flowing from Him, exultant in the knowledge of Thy forgiveness and pardon.

I testify that you believed in God and were certain of God's verses and submitted to the Manifestation of God's lights and were humble before the Dawning Place of God's revelation and were attracted by the fragrances of God and protected the Dayspring of God's light and preserved the Center of Guidance from the evil of the enemies who cast aside piety and followed their desires and did not fear God and insulted the Dawning Place of God's verses.

Lord! She was an emblem of Thy love amongst women, a firebrand set ablaze through the heat of Thy love amongst Thy handmaidens. In the dark of night, she never ceased to remember Thee in the depths of her heart.

O first light that shone forth from the horizon of the heaven of the loving-kindness of the Lord of all beings, and first word uttered by the Tongue of Grandeur, and first fragrance that wafted from the garment of My Most Great Name amongst the nations!

We make mention in this place of thy father who was adorned with the ornament of the loving-kindness of his Lord, the All-Merciful. He hath ascended unto God and the Concourse on High found from him the fragrance of My love, the Mighty, the Inaccessible. Blessed is he and blessed is he who remembereth him, and woe unto every heedless doubter.

In His Most Great Name

O my handmaid! Hearken unto My call from the precincts of My throne. Verily, there is no God but Him, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

We wish to recount unto thee tidings of him who was named Mihdi in the Crimson Book from My Most Exalted Pen. He traversed land and sea in his longing to attain the presence of God until he entered the shore of the right-hand valley in the blessed crimson spot. We called out to him from behind the pavilions of grandeur, and when he heard it, the sweetness of the call so overwhelmed him that he was transformed. Then We shed upon him the lights of the countenance, and when he beheld the Most Great Sign, he surrendered his spirit at the advent of his Lord, the Lord of all beings.

Days passed, then We proceeded to the sepulcher, and when We arrived We stood before the grave and said: "O thou who didst race in the arena of the love of God! The fragrance of thy Lord's robe, the Lord of all names, stirred thee until thou didst seek the Most Exalted Horizon to attain the presence of the Throne and stand before the Gate. Now We see thee sleeping while the Beloved hath come and remembereth thee with a remembrance at which the clouds weep. I testify that thou didst drink the choice wine of mystical knowledge from the hand of the bounty of thy Lord, the All-Merciful, and didst hear the call and respond and turn and hasten until thou didst enter the noble station by the leave of God, thy Lord and the Lord of all worlds. Blessed art thou, again blessed art thou, for thou didst remain faithful to God's Covenant when most of His servants broke it and most of His creation cast it behind them. Blessed art thou and blessed is he who hearkened to thy words concerning the Cause of God, thy Beloved, and found solace in thy company, and heard with submission and contentment what thou didst utter regarding the Cause of God, the Self-Subsisting, the All-Compelling. Verily we are God's and unto Him shall we return."

I swear by the Sun of Truth that thy mention hath been inscribed in God's Book by the Most Glorious Pen, and thou art remembered before the Concourse on High and the dwellers of the Most Exalted Paradise, for thou didst witness and hear in His path what the devoted women of former ages witnessed and heard.

O God! In his days, he was steadfast in his heart, resolute in his purpose, assured in his soul, radiating heavenly gladness, eloquent in his speech, wondrous in his utterance, powerful in proffering proofs with joy and radiance. How numerous were the evenings that he spent shackled by chains and bonds, and how many the days that he endured sorrows and hardships in the depths of the darkest of prisons while thankful for Thy favors, patient in the woes sent by Thee, reassured in his communion with Thee and proclaiming Thy sweet fragrances.

I testify that you believed in your Most Exalted Lord, were drawn to the Most Glorious Beauty, submitted to the Lord of the highest heavens, were humble before Him to Whom bow the necks of the people of wisdom, served at the Most Exalted Threshold, worshipped your Lord morning and evening, strove to assist the captives, fulfilled what you were commanded regarding protection of the martyrs' survivors, and ceaselessly endeavored for every good and defended the weak from all harm.

O sapling fed from the purling brook of resignation! That bountiful grove, verdant garden, and fragrant bower adorned with Divine good-pleasure hath ascended unto the Kingdom of Abha. With the rose, myrtle, hyacinth, and jasmine of perfections, he was a sublime heaven and a lofty, light-giving paradise of the Luminous Horizon.

O sign of steadfastness and banner of firmness, Mirza Taraz! Praise be to God, he is harmonious and in tune. Like the spiritual spring breeze, he traversed every region and territory of Iran and gave new life to souls. Now he has reached the proximity of the Forgiving Lord.

Then after that came news of the passing of the wise and illustrious friend, my teacher [Siyyid Kazim] - may God's mercy be upon him - from that place. And I had indeed informed some people of my dream before the news came.

The peace of God, the One, the Single, be upon thee, O thou just and beloved Sovereign and noble and exalted King, and upon Muhammad and Ali and Fatima and Hassan and the Imams, and upon thee, O thou whose praise is too lofty to be extolled by any save thyself, and whose glory is too great to be described by any except thee.

I testify that thou didst answer thy Lord when His call was raised between earth and heaven, and thou didst fulfill thy covenant and pledge in such wise that neither the veils of glory withheld thee from the Self-Sufficient, the Most High, nor the barriers of names from God, the Creator of heaven. Blessed art thou for having remained steadfast in the Cause when most feet did slip, and the hearts of men were troubled - they who cast the command of God behind their backs and followed every heedless doubter.

And We remember thy father who attained unto the ornament of certitude and bore witness unto that which God did bear witness and uttered that which was recorded in My Preserved Tablet. We testify that he wavered not in this Cause and when he heard the call from the direction of his Lord, the Lord of Names, he said: "Here am I, here am I, O God of the unseen and the seen!"

And the near ones make mention of him in the heaven of eternity, for the Most Exalted Pen hath been moved to his remembrance by the fingers of Glory. Thus did the bounty of his Lord encompass him, and verily His bounty towards the sincere ones hath ever preceded in truth.

… How wonderful art thou, O servant who hast ascended unto God and detached thyself from all else, for thy beard was reddened with thy blood in the path of thy Lord.

Verily, thy father hath ascended unto God, and he is in a praiseworthy station. We have, of a truth, forgiven him as a token of Our grace unto him.

Since mention was made of the honored Mirza who ascended to the Supreme Companion, the Most Exalted Pen desired to make mention of him:

O Zaynu'l-'Abidin! The Lord of the worlds maketh mention of thee from the Most Great Scene, that this mention may be a companion unto thee, a light unto thee, a glory unto thee, an honor unto thee, and a treasure unto thee in every world of the worlds of thy Lord.

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Your letter made mention of Nabil. Blessed are you for what you mentioned of him. We testify that he attained to what was revealed in the Books of God, and We testify that his tongue was created for the remembrance of God, his sight for beholding the signs of his Lord, the Possessor of Names, and his ear for hearkening to His sweetest call. From the beginning until now he has been speaking words of praise and glory. Great is the reward of this station and this deed, and from the Tongue of Grandeur he was named Nabil-i-A'zam.

It consoles thee in what hath befallen thee through the decree of God, thy Lord and the Lord of all worlds. By My life! From its rustling is heard: "Husayn hath attained the ultimate goal, the most exalted summit, and the Supreme Companion." Let not separation grieve thee, O Leaf, for he drinketh from the ocean of nearness and reunion, and hath attained that which cannot be mentioned in words.

I call upon Thee in the darkness of night, bowing down and prostrating, and I supplicate before Thee with heart, spirit and tongue, beseeching mercy, kindness, pardon and forgiveness for Thy Hand of the Cause, Thy servant Adib, the beloved and noble one, who plumbed the depths of knowledge and discovered the mysteries of learning, who contemplated the divine verses and through them found proof of the radiance of lights from the Dayspring of mysteries.

O Lord, he strove to lift the veil and sought reality behind the mask, and left no obstacle unscaled in his quest to reach Thee and his yearning to find a path leading to Thee, until Thou didst guide him to the way of righteousness, the straight path.

O Lord! Verily Thy servant Ata lifted the veil, rent asunder the covering, effaced all vain imaginings, and received bounty from the Known Beauty. His eyes were gladdened by witnessing the signs, his heart was assured by the brilliance of the lights, and his soul was pleased and his breast was dilated by discovering the mysteries. He traversed the lands and called the people to the straight path and the right way with speech that bewildered the minds of the hearers.

May fragrant breezes encompass your perfumed resting place, and may clouds of forgiveness and pardon rain upon your amber-scented grave, O luminous leaf and handmaiden of the All-Merciful, companion of he who was martyred in the path of God with a heart overflowing with the love of God and a spirit gladdened by the glad-tidings of God - Mulla 'Ali-Jan Mah-Furujaki.

Holy souls have abandoned their earthly habitation and have rushed to be at the side of Thy Mercy in the Everlasting Paradise: The place where loyalty was attained and praises were sung in Thy Celestial Garden, where they have rendered continual thanks and have sung continual praise of Thee, O Lord of Existence and Bounty.

One of them, your servant Ibrahim, who placed the Crown of Thy Love on his brow has hurried from the Land of Doubt until he reached the Land of Certitude.

Upon thee be the glory of God and upon thee be the peace of God, O thou who hast believed in God and His signs, who hast acknowledged His words, who hast clung to the hem of His robe and held fast to the fringes of the garment of His grandeur. I testify that thou didst remain faithful to the Covenant, that thy face was illumined by the light of the Lamp of the horizons, that through thee were gladdened the eyes of the people of concord, that thy heart found peace through the dawning of the light that spread through the seven layers, and that the resurrection of tears came upon thee through what thou didst suffer in the path of God and the trials thou didst endure in thy love for God and thy martyrdom in remaining firm in the Covenant.

We have desired at this time to make mention of the Friend who hath ascended unto God, the Almighty, the All-Praised. Before his ascension We revealed for him that which brought solace to the eyes of them that are nigh unto God, and after his ascension We mentioned him from My Most Exalted Pen in such wise that the Concourse on High and the dwellers of the Most Sublime Paradise welcomed it, as bidden by the Ordainer, the Ancient of Days.

To be brief: I hope her noble son may seek the Path wherein his mother walked, and may become better and more illustrious; nay, rather, the lights of his love may also take effect in his grand parents.

I bear witness that thou wast adorned with the love of God in thy days, in thy rising up and sitting down, and at thy ascension to a station which the tongues of the world are powerless to describe, except for those who have spoken and do speak: "There is none other God but Me, the All-Uttering, the All-Seeing."

The greeting whose holy fragrances have wafted over all regions and the praise whose sweet breaths have perfumed the East and West of the earth be upon you, O you who were martyred in the path of God and slain in the love of God - the divine sacrifice and heavenly offering, who gave up both soul and treasure on the spiritual path, who strove in God with true striving, who remained firm in His covenant and testament, who was illumined by His light and radiance.

O thou who art firm in the Covenant!

The letter which thou hadst written to his honor Aqa Siyyid Asadu'llah was perused. Its reading brought endless grief, for it contained the shocking and distressing news of the ascension of his honor Bahlul, that great and esteemed sage. Although that bird of the nest of truth has taken flight to the Kingdom of mysteries and become the intimate companion of the Concourse on High in the privacy of the Lord, and has been delivered from this dark and narrow world to hasten to the life-bestowing and expansive realm of the All-Merciful - indeed, though lifeless, he has become alive; though a nightingale full of sighs and laments, he has winged his way to the eternal rose garden; though aflame with thirst, he has been satisfied at the ocean of forgiveness; and though a moth consumed by the fire, he has ascended to circle round the candle of the Concourse on High - yet those left behind are immersed in sorrow, and his relations are full of sighs and laments, burning in this separation and restless in this parting.

However, we must look to the end, when this separation shall lead to reunion in the celestial realm, and the fire of this deprivation shall ultimately be quenched by the sweet waters of attainment. Therefore, we must exercise patience and fortitude to receive an abundant reward and find solace in the fact that, praise be to God, that noble soul was illumined by divine lights and that yearning one was intoxicated with the wine of mysteries. Surely in the Kingdom of the Lord he is filled with delight from the wine of divine forgiveness, and his honor Sahih-Furush is intoxicated and bewildered by the wine of the mercy of the Lord, joyous with abundant favors in the shelter of the forgiveness of the Ever-Forgiving Lord. A prayer seeking forgiveness for him was offered to the Kingdom of Unity.

O thou whose soul is tranquilized by the grace of God and by the Greatest Gift! Verily I inform thee of that by which thy breast will be dilated with joy, thy heart will rejoice and thy soul will be delighted in every time and moment. And it is this, that verily thy honoured wife, who journeyed unto God and hastened unto the Blessed Spot, her heart ignited with the fire of the love of God and her sight and gaze extended toward the Kingdom of El Abha, was firm in the Testament, and was overtaken by death in the land of Beirut, is now attracted to "The Living One who shall never die."

Verily, she surrendered her life while she was in a condition wherein she was encompassed with the glad tidings of thy Lord from all directions and her nostrils were perfumed with the fragrances of holiness from the Supreme Concourse. Her soul soared up to the summit of sanctity, under the shelter of the mercy of thy Lord, the Mighty, where the concourse of the chosen ones are assembled around it in the Lofty Paradise, and the angels of mercy are blessing it and are speaking its praise while their faces are smiling because of her ascension to heaven.

By the life of God, wert thou informed of her prosperity and of the bounty with which she is surrounded and of the favours of thy Lord, which were her greatest desire, thou wouldst smile with joy, thy breast would be dilated and thou wouldst thank God for that which He hath poured upon her; that He hath adorned her with the embroidery of sanctity and purity in His Kingdom, the El Abha; and that He hath crowned her with the diadem of the Greatest Gift in the Supreme Concourse.

This servant remembers Thy servant who was ever the recipient of the glances of Thine eye of mercy and the object of the gaze of Thy loving-kindness among Thy creatures. He was ever a servant of Thy Cause, a spreader of Thy remembrance, a counselor to Thy creation, a guide to Thy servants, a herald of Thy name, and a servant at Thy gate.

O Merciful Lord! Marzuban has abandoned the earthly realm and hastened to the boundless world. He had no hope except in You and planted nothing in the field of his heart except the seeds of Your love. He grew weary of life in the world of dust and soared to the Kingdom of mysteries.

O loved ones of God! Praise be to God that those pure souls were freed from the dusty world and joined the angels of the celestial realm, meaning they acquired heavenly attributes and found their way to the private chamber of the All-Merciful Lord.

Blessed is he who remembereth thy days and through thee draweth nigh unto God, thy Lord, the Lord of all who are in the heavens and on earth. O Salih, forget not thy loved ones in thy glorious station and thy blessed, exalted and manifest dwelling-place.

Your distinguished uncle ascended to the Kingdom of Mysteries, but praise be to God, his traces remain firm and established. He left behind noble sons and persons like yourself as memorials. I hope that the descendants will bring honor to their ancestors, so that they may water and nurture the sapling that that one ascended unto God planted, until it casts a mighty shade and yields fresh fruits and produce.

The splendor of God rest upon you, O Dayspring of faithfulness from God, Creator of heaven!

I testify that through you the city of servitude was adorned, its banners were raised, its gates were decorated, and its birds sang. I testify that you turned to God and voiced His praise among His servants.

Muhammad-Qabli-Rida, upon him be the light and radiance of God, dwelt for successive years beneath the shade, partaking of the fruits of the Blessed Tree and abiding beneath the pavilions of grandeur, until his days were ended by his ascension to the Supreme Companion.

Blessed art thou, O brother! Verily he ascended to the Supreme Companion and God made him purified from the defilement of the world.

… My Most Exalted Pen makes mention of him at this moment and says: "O Hashim! Blessed art thou for having heard the Call and [responded to] thy Lord. We bear witness that thou didst turn and believe when the servants turned away, until thou didst fulfill thy pledge by the command of God, the Lord of the worlds.

Then rejoice within thyself that thy father hath attained unto the presence of God and his spirit hath ascended to a station whereof the knowledge of the knowers is cut off. The maidens of Paradise shall now serve him and the denizens of the Supreme Concourse shall find solace in his company.