forces of light and darkness; integration and disintegration
Editorial introduction
Every human act leaves something behind it: cohesion or estrangement, learning or ignorance, a harvest or a wasteland. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sets the choice starkly. While others sharpen swords, lift an olive branch; while nations think hate, think love with all your powers. Bahá’u’lláh adds that fairness is the very measure of being human, and that oppression and its agents will pass while justice endures. The breakdown is real: wars that breed lasting hatreds, armaments that drain nations, a heedlessness that sleeps through its own warnings. The seed that rots in the ground is the figure to hold onto, since its dissolution is what yields the harvest, and the flood that wrecks a town may be the prelude to rebuilding. The Qur’an’s image of foam that passes while what benefits people remains, and Paul’s counsel to overcome evil with good, sharpen the question of how to serve renewal without growing numb to present suffering. From here the path leads into material and spiritual civilization, into present and future calamities, and into the long argument between war and peace.
Those around us are bent upon destroying the foundations of humanity while we are intent on raising the edifice of humankind. Most of those around us are striving to kill while we are looking for ways to give life to people. The differing factions and conflicting sects wield sharp swords against each other but we have raised an olive branch, we offer flowers.
We observe that every movement which establishes unity and amity brings in its train life and every cause which promotes differences and enmity carries death in its wake. Every philanthropic movement is born through love and unity and every movement which has produced ruin and devastation has been born through hostility and differences.
When you scatter a seed in the earth, that seed decomposes and becomes annihilated beneath the soil, yet that very annihilation is the cause of its permanence, that dispersion leads to gathering, and that dissolution results in the formation of great abundant harvests.
In all Tablets it has been revealed that the victory of God's Cause today has been and will be through wisdom and utterance, not through conflict and contention.
These nations are thinking, Hate. You think with all your powers, Love.
Therefore, let us pray that God will guide the souls, that he will rescue the "wolves" from their ferocity, so that they may become as lambs and as birds of peace and flock together. Thus will darkness disappear from the horizon of the world and the teachings of God illumine the East and the West.
Say: Be fair, O people of understanding! He that hath no fairness hath no human qualities.
The end is loss upon loss, except for souls who lay the foundation of eternal glory and the basis of comfort for the world of creation, and adorn the world with the light of the gift of the All-Merciful. Even the whispers of such souls remain forever permanent and endless.
Soon shall oppression and its perpetrator pass away, while justice and its manifestations shall endure, by the decree of the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
Soon shall the carpet of acceptance be rolled up and the couch of indolence spread out. The floods shall leave naught but traces, and the pampered ones shall fall from palaces to graves. The throes of death shall seize them and intense regrets shall overtake them, when there shall be no escape, and no sound nor trace of them shall be heard. As for the foam, it passeth away as scum upon the surface, while that which is useful to mankind remaineth in the earth.
Life depends upon water; therefore divine verses and heavenly bounties have been likened to water: "And We send down water from the sky according to measure, and thereby valleys flow according to their capacity, and the torrent carries along a swelling foam. And from that which they smelt in the fire for the sake of ornaments ariseth a foam like unto it. Thus doth God set forth truth and falsehood. As for the foam, it passeth away as doth all that is worthless, while that which profiteth mankind remaineth on the earth."
Victory is of two kinds: material and spiritual. Material victory is not so important but spiritual victory is conducive to the life of the world of humanity.
The world for the most part is Godless. If left to itself it will perish. Bahais have the remedy in their hands for the healing of the sick world. If they do not apply the remedy, God will raise up a "strange" people to do the work, for, verily, He is able to do this, and the heedless will suffer a great loss. We must not occupy our time with the discussion of non-essentials, we must consider this needy world.
The darkness of enmity has encompassed the world and the swords of cruelty and oppression are in the hands of the misguided. There is hardly a fair-minded soul to be found anywhere nor any who does not oppress others in some form. Only those who are most greedy and most ruthless, most bloody and most brutal seem to command respect.
They have cast those precious jewels into the furnace of self and passion. They have set aside those loving counsels and admonitions, and have arisen in such oppression and aggression as hath never been witnessed in the world.
O my friend, the world has become disordered, dark and confused due to corrupt morals, evil intentions, the self-worship of peoples and nations, and the base aspirations of the great ones and nobles of the world.
All the denizens of the earth, the communities and the people have taken an axe in their hands to uproot the life-tree of each other; they are blood-thirsty and the instigators of corruption; they are armed to the teeth with destructive implements; each seeketh the death and annihilation of the other. But the heavenly power, the divine energy and the celestial hand of strength, hath raised the canopy of the oneness of the realm of humanity on the pinnacle of the contingent being and hoisted the standard of the most great peace, friendship, love, uprightness and the adoration of truth.
O thou who art turned toward God!
The world of existence is a battlefield of strife and contention, and all the earth is stained and dyed with the precious blood of humanity.
They fight like a vicious wolf in the name of protection and security, and like unto wild beasts of prey they tear each other apart, expecting humanity to sit back and watch. How vile and disgraceful is that which they imagine!
Do we not see in these days that the banner of oppression and destruction is held aloft and the government[s] and the nations of the world have girded up the loins of endeavor to kill and shed the blood of their own brothers and lay waste cities and villages. The world of humanity has become the world of the beasts of prey, nay rather a greater ferocity exists. Human susceptibilities are trampled under foot, justice and fairness have lost their pristine significances. Such cruel acts are perpetrated by man that cannot be attributed even to the ferocious beasts.
Consider for a moment what mad and awful frenzy has taken possession of the hearts of men that they are murdering their own brothers with this amazing rapidity. What is this malignity, this rancor, this maliciousness!
The kind shepherds have turned suddenly into ferocious wolves, tearing the sheep and the lambs into pieces. Mercy has hidden its face; Love has covered her countenance; Sympathy does not stretch forth its arms; Affection has flown away; Truth finds itself a stranger among a large company of hypocritical admirers and Peace does not envisage herself in the clear mirror of the pure hearts.
So many wars have been fought, so much blood has been shed, so many homes destroyed, so many cities laid waste - yet still they are not sated with war, still they have not awakened to see that hatred and enmity destroy the edifice of humanity, while love and fellowship bring peace to mankind.
Think of the turmoil that today exists in the Balkans; how much blood is shed; how many thousands of mothers have lost their sons, how many children have become orphans, and how many buildings, villages, and cities have been destroyed! The Balkan states have become a volcano. All this ruin originates from the prejudices created by the different dogmas, called forth by superstitions and race prejudices.
All the peoples of the world are opposed to each other and day by day their misunderstanding increases. This is why the fire of war has reached to the heavens.
Today all parties in the world are in conflict and struggle with each other - religious strife, sectarian strife, racial strife, national strife, political strife, commercial strife, industrial strife, strife over pride - truly this war is constant and never ceases or diminishes.
The world of America should be grateful for this matter, for this enmity and hatred that exists between these two races, black and white, is very dangerous and without doubt will eventually end in bloodshed - unless the power of the Word of God and the breaths of the Holy Spirit and the teachings of Baha'u'llah spread and bring healing between these two groups, uprooting the foundation of hatred and animosity and laying the basis of love and the path of unity.
These enemies are agitating both sides, that is, they are stirring up the white race against the colored race and the colored race against the white race. But of this the Americans are submerged in the sea of ignorance. They will regret it. But of what use will their regret be after the destruction of America?
As soon as war is declared in any part of the world, all human attention is directed toward it; commerce and the machinery of nations are paralyzed; the whole world thrown into a condition of grave uncertainty.
The moral effect of the expenditures of these colossal sums of money for military purposes is just as deteriorating as the actual war and its train of dreadful carnage and horrors. The ideal and floral forces of the contending parties become barbaric and bestial, the spiritual powers are stunted and the laws of divine civilization are disregarded. Such a financial drain ossifies the veins and muscles of the body-politic, and congeals the delicate sensibilities of the spirit.
Although wars may cease temporarily, yet there is an invisible war constantly carried out which is a tremendous economic loss. These unseen drains have broken the financial back of the nations. They do not know by what means or instrument the comity of nations or the peace of the world can be achieved.
It is medically proven that from the abundance of dead bodies and fiery explosions the air changes, and from the change in air numerous diseases result and spread to other regions. Certainly millions of souls killed on the battlefield must change the air, and from the change in air diseases arise. Similarly, from psychological disturbances severe agitation results in humans, and certainly from severe agitation various diseases are born.
"All Europe is an armed camp. These warlike preparations will necessarily culminate in a great war. The very armaments themselves are productive of war. This great arsenal must go ablaze. There is nothing of the nature of prophecy about such a view," said 'Abdu'l-Baha, "it is based on reasoning solely."
All the territories of Europe are repositories of combustible materials. That is, beneath the ground of all Europe it is as though there were arsenals and ammunition depots. It requires but a single spark or flame for these inflammatory materials to suddenly explode. Therefore, O nations and governments of the world, strive with all your being, cry out and lament, weep and implore, that perchance, God willing, you may deliver the world of humanity from this peril.
For this war has become a cause of hatred. For instance, the Germans will not forget, the Austrians will not forget, the Bulgarians will not forget, the Turks will not forget. If the banner of Universal Peace is not raised, this question of war will be more acute.
"On one side there will arise the tumult of the Socialists, from another side the storm of Bolshevism, from another the problems of labour, from another the antagonism of nations, from another religious hatred, and from another racial prejudices. It is clear what will happen. All of these are like dynamite. One day they will explode, unless the banner of Universal Peace is raised according to the Divine Teachings and the Oneness of the World of Humanity proclaimed.
It is now demonstrated that all their existent powers have contributed something toward the realization of this world war, even their so-called Christian religion has been made a pliable instrument for the promotion of war purposes.
The congress of The Hague is follows: The wine sellers call a meeting so that they may discuss the evils of wine and remove from the world the drinking of wine; yet their own vocation is wine selling.
Nations who are constantly thinking either of worldly conquest, the expansion of their own dominion or waging war upon their contemporaries, send ministers and representatives to the congress of The Hague to discuss the problem of universal peace and legislate regulations for the prevention of war!
Apparently no results were obtained from the League assembly. That assembly's thoughts are scattered among numerous matters and they do not have the opportunity for proper effort and endeavor as they should, nor is any result expected in the future.
Today the Armies of Europe, well-drilled, well-provisioned, phalanx-like are like unto the waves of the ocean attacking Asia. Asia in her present state cannot stand before these irresistible, victory-inspired armies. There is not only the army of war; there are other more influential, economic armies that are surrounding the Eastern countries. There is an army of commerce, an army of industry, an army of agriculture, an army of science and arts. All these well-disciplined hosts, supplied with the latest modern methods and instruments are bent upon great conquests in their respective fields.
Therefore convey a brief message to his service, which is this:
For several centuries, the West has been at war with the East - that is, the entire continent of Europe with the entire continent of Asia - in continuous battle. This warfare is complete and renowned in all respects.
At present their social and intellectual lives are in a chaotic condition and on the verge of disintegration.
Because of material civilization, industry has progressed and sciences and arts have burgeoned but at the same time weapons of war and bloodshed designed for the destruction of the edifice of humanity have multiplied and political problems have vastly increased.
Hence, this material civilization cannot become the means of comfort and ease for all until it acquires spiritual power and the attributes of a divine civilization. Rather, the difficulties will increase and the troubles will multiply.
Material civilization alone does not suffice and does not become the means of acquiring spiritual virtues. Rather, it leads to an increase in wars and disputes and becomes the cause of bloodshed and ruin.
Despite all this, it is surprising that divine civilization has been completely forgotten and the people are constantly submerged in a sea of materialism.
The more material education advances, the more competitive is the race in aggression and injustice. But spiritual education is the cause of competition in praiseworthy actions and the acquisition of human perfections. We hope that day by day these injustices will diminish and the spiritual virtues increase.
The time will come when this material civilization will be infused with divine civilization.
Europe, the most adorned of the continents, has progressed to the apex of refined material civilization. It is a beautifully formed body, - alas, that is has no soul! It is one of the most polished mirrors, - alas, that the sun of truth is not reflected in it!
It is a mirror in the utmost of transparency but a thousand times alas! that the rays of the Sun of Reality are not reflected thereon! It is a tree most verdant and elegant but alas! it produces no fruits. It is a flower with great delicacy and loveliness but how pitiable! it lacks sweet fragrance. Outwardly it is very progressive but spiritually it has no motion whatsoever.
The sea of materialism is at flood tide and all the nations of the world are immersed in it. It is my hope that the fish will rise to the surface, so that they may behold other wondrous aspects of creation; for the people are like unto the fish swimming in the deep - ignorant of the rest of the universe.
Man is saved from the world of nature by the Light of God, otherwise there would be darkness upon darkness. All the prophets and seers have come that the world of humanity may be saved from the claws of nature and that they may transform the world of nature into a world of light.
All powers are impotent and limited and all created things are captive under the law of nature except for the divine power and spiritual civilization which manifest extraordinary effects in the realities of souls.
Were the world not enlightened with the coming of the prophets, were there not the teachings of the heavenly books, were there not the appearance of the celestial rose-garden, were there not the effulgence of the Love of God; the world of humanity would have been the world of animality; nay rather lower and baser.
The holy Manifestations appear, the fragrances of God are diffused;- so that the world of humanity might be distinguished from the animal Kingdom; the realm of darkness be transformed into the sphere of light, the gloomy earth be changed into the celestial universe and the carnally-minded become endowed with godlike sentiments.
This is what He says in explicit terms in the Ishrakat: "Religion is a brilliant light and a strong fortress for the protection and comfort of the people of the world. If the lamp of religion remains veiled, chaos will take place, the luminary of justice and of equity, and the sun of rest and security, will be deprived of light.
The dross of nations has seized them; the greatest elixir is required. O Wise One! Has the crown of victory such power as to transform diverse elements in a single thing and bring them to the station of pure gold?
As to the situation in Fars, there is no remedy for this chaos and revolution and turmoil except the holy breaths.
The teachings of Baha'u'llah are, in this day, the very spirit of life; they are the cause of peace and security, the source of fellowship and love, the means of the unity of the human world.
You observe what turmoil the world is in and what agitation grips the people of the world. A heavenly power is needed to dispel this turmoil and agitation, for this mighty matter cannot be realized through human powers.
Human nature in this phenomenal world is fashioned with the poison of war and strife. We need a powerful force beyond and above this world of nature, so that this condition may be effaced from the surface of the world.
Consider now how the society of men is, like the animal, drowned in the sea of nature; no trace of the world of humanity is discerned. The people of the world must judge with fairness: can aught save the teachings of Baha'u'llah---which are the rays of the Sun of Truth---prevail over this long winter night, wrapped in deepest darkness, cause the bright morn to dawn, and make the world a rose-garden? No, by God! Should there be but the least measure of equity, it would bear witness that the light of this Sun is world-encompassing, and that the rays of this Orb illumine the realm of man.
"The Light of Knowledge hath appeared, before which the darkness of every superstitious fancy will be annihilated. The Hosts of the Supreme Concourse are descending to assist all those who rise up to serve their Lord, to subdue and gain the victory over the city of the hearts; to proclaim the Glad-Tidings of the Coming of GOD and to united the souls of His creatures."
I hope that through the intensity of the heat of the Great Luminary, religious prejudices, racial prejudices, patriotic prejudices and political prejudices will melt away like snow, and the meadow of reality will attain the utmost verdancy, freshness, delicacy and grace, so that the world will become the envy of Paradise, the world of nature will become the manifestation of heavenly bounties, East and West will embrace, North and South will become beloved and lover, mankind will become the waves of one sea and the flowers of one garden and the trees of one orchard.
Awake, O people of the world, awake! Give heed, O peoples and nations, give heed! Destroy the mot of conflict and strife; abandon imitations and prejudices which lead to cruelty, so that you may acknowledge the Truth and the light of the oneness of humanity may shine brilliant and manifest as the sun; the standard of universal peace be hoisted; perfect love and harmony may reign among the races, religions and nations; and the world of man may find peace and acquire a divine image and likeness.
I hope that the dark clouds of blind imitation will disperse and the Sun of Reality will shine upon the friends and others; I supplicate to God that ye may become truthful servants to the world of humanity.
We seek to play no part in political affairs, rather do we wish the welfare of all and the progress of the multitudes, serve Iran in the moral and ethical realms, and strive day and night that God may breathe a new life into the body of Iran, so that an extraordinary power may manifest itself in the fabric of Iran and its people.
Now the Lord has cast a glance of favor, and the witness of heavenly bounty has appeared in the land of Iran. The Sun of Truth has risen and cast its rays of grace upon that country, and heavenly teachings have spread and a divine faith has come forth. The hope is that the rays of this sun will make the land of Iran like the celestial realm - that is, souls will be educated who, like bright stars, will shine in the heights of that country.
The Master replied:
As these laws are in conformity with the demands of the time, they will unfailingly prevail, although they will be implemented gradually. Everything can be prevented or resisted except the demands of the time. The time is ripe for the governments to remedy these ills.
A.B.---- Now everywhere there are strikes. It is very strange- It is necessary that all the nations and peoples should make laws and regulations. At the end all the nations will be united so that no one can break those laws and regulations.
Events are passing and incidents are like dangerous ocean waves, but this too shall pass.
As long as the people of the world remain absorbed in vain thoughts and walk the paths of self-worship and carelessness, drowning in natural feelings without considering the consequences of actions, surely comfort and tranquility will be removed, hearts disturbed, upheaval continuous, and human society in danger.
Despite this, people are still caught in the sleep of negligence, clinging to the metaphorical and shunning reality. People are still so immersed in carnal desires that even the trumpet of Israfil would not awaken them. Surely this heedlessness, ingratitude for divine bounties, and lack of awareness will lead to regret, hardship, war and strife, and bring about loss and calamity.
Despite this, people are still captive in the sleep of heedlessness, clinging to the metaphorical and averse to reality, and still so immersed in carnal desires that even the trumpet of Israfil would not awaken them. Surely this heedlessness, ingratitude for blessings, and lack of awakening will cause grief and hardship, war and strife, and bring about loss and calamity.
The regions of the world, cities and villages in the East and West are encompassed by the darkness of ignorance and rebellion - the darkness of unknowing, the darkness of pride, the darkness of self and desire have combined. These triple darknesses, layer upon layer, have formed, leaving souls bewildered, wandering, and drowning in the sea of heedlessness and forgetfulness.
O Mihdi! The world is in upheaval while the people remain heedless. The dust of the deeds and words of the veiled ones hath obscured the luminous morn. Today every firm and mighty foundation is shaken, and every steadfast and upright foot hath faltered, save those whom thy Lord hath willed. The world's convulsions increase daily, yet its people perceive not the cause and reason, and remain veiled from what is with God by what is with themselves.
The fire of suppositions and idle fancies has encompassed the world, and supreme abasement has seized the people, yet none are aware of it.
Despite the fact that the outpouring of grace encompasses all, and the bounty of the Most Glorious Kingdom surrounds both the great and the lowly, and the melody of the Supreme Concourse reaches the ears of both young and old, still there is coldness and lifelessness and lethargy that has encompassed those who are frozen.
O servant of the Ancient Beauty!
The lights of the Greatest Name have encompassed the horizons of all nations, yet the heedless remain submerged in the depths of vain imaginings.
O my friend! The birds of the meadow have struck up such a melody that they have raised an uproar throughout all regions and created a commotion in the world of existence. Despite this song, the obstinate people are still in slumber. Wonder upon wonder and regret upon regret that the West has become alert while some in the East are still unaware of this melody and song.
The East and West have been stirred into motion by the breezes from the rose garden of mysteries, yet the Iranians are still captive in the sleep of heedlessness.
The lights have shone forth and the mysteries have appeared and the verses have been sent down, yet the people remain in evident veils. The hidden treasure hath been revealed and the concealed secret hath appeared, yet most of the people are among the heedless ones.
Despite this, the veil has so obscured vision that among the people of the world only a few are enlightened while all the rest remain captive to the darkness of the furnace. However, the rays of the Sun of Truth have become so brilliant that this darkness cannot endure.
O candle of the gathering of love! The horizons of contingent being are encompassed by endless darkness, and the Cause of God is like the world-illumining sun, yet the deeds of the people of passion have become like dark clouds blocking the rays of the All-Merciful.
However, those souls who are deprived of sincerity and purity have imagined the True One to be like themselves, and therefore strive and struggle to extinguish the divine light.
In these days, in one of the Tablets this blessed word hath dawned from the horizon of the Supreme Pen: Until thou becomest aware of the falsehood of the past, thou shalt not bear witness to the truth of this wondrous Day. The heedless people must be awakened that they may recognize the daysprings of conjecture and fancy of the past and future, and may hold fast to the straight path and the firm and mighty cord.
How devoted they are to darkness. Even now they are running away from light. Like a thief who always runs away from the light, and who wishes for darkness upon darkness. Why? Because light reveals his wickedness. The owner of the house wants it always to be lighted, but the thief wants darkness.
But the unwise seek contamination and fall into trials. What a bounty this is that God has willed and with which He has adorned the world! And what baseness is this that causes death and depression and withering!
Just at this time a mad wave of evil habits, immoral acts, shameless customs and most lewd representations is sweeping over some parts of the world, it seems that the very gates of hell are flung wide and the ghastly fiends of unbridled desires, dissolution, sensualism, unchastity and debauchery are set loose, desecrating the sanctity of the homes and polluting the clear stream of morality. Now the friends of God must do their utmost to purify the world from the stains of these licentious habits. They must master their innate God-given forces and strike at the very root of these evil deeds and social scourge.
We beseech God, blessed and exalted be He, that He may protect him and protect His loved ones from the evil of His enemies who have cast righteousness behind their backs and embraced wickedness and been consumed by the fire of greed and passion and have exchanged trustworthiness for treachery and truth for falsehood and calumny.
Today both the light and the fire are manifest, and both the call of the All-Merciful and of Satan are raised.
Two calls are raised in the contingent world: one the call of the All-Merciful, the other the call of Satan.
This is a day wherein the call of the All-Merciful is raised from one direction, and likewise the cawing of Satan from another.
The forces of good and evil have raised aloft their banners in the world of humanity and, in the arena of tests and trials, are locked in battle. The light of good shineth forth from the countenances of the friends of God, even as the darkness of evil hath become manifested in the gloomy faces of the haughty and the proud. The faces of the former are the dawning place of the light of guidance, whereas the latter are the depths of utter darkness; the one is manifest light, the other is enmity, malice and spite. The former is the temple of the spirit, the latter the body of death itself. How great is the difference, how clear and evident is the distinction.
First of all we have to establish the fact that all human beings fall into only two categories: into spiritually oriented beings centred on God, and into materially-minded ungodly beings far removed and estranged from God, depending on the degree of their centrifugal development.
In the world everything which promotes union, harmony, and love is from God, for union is life, but everything which causes discord is from Satan and is death and annihilation.
Such differences as between the wolf and the sheep, for instance, between light and darkness, water and fire, are the cause of enmity. Water extinguishes fire in the same way that religious differences cause annihilation.
With the appearance of truth the point of Opposition raises its head. The former gains signal victory, the other goes into crushing defeat; the first upraises the standard of guidance, the other unfurls the banner of error; One is divine revelation, another is satanic suggestion; the first leads us into the paradise of Peace, the second hurls us headlong into the hell of war.
Say: O friends! The satans are lying in wait and expectant. Each one of you must, like a piercing flame, prevent the satans from ascending to the heavens of hearts. This is the primary station and the first rank that hath been revealed from the Supreme Pen. Blessed is he who hath attained, and woe unto the heedless. Under all conditions, keep thy gaze fixed on the Truth and hold fast unto Him.
O people! Stand firm in the Cause of God and in the praise of His Self, and when ye behold Satan seeking to ascend unto the heaven of understanding that he may discover what is in your hearts of the love of the All-Merciful, drive him away with the shooting stars.
The idolaters rush headlong toward the Evil One. Say: He dwelleth in the lowest depths of the fire. We have shown them who led them astray from the straight path that they might recognize him and seek for themselves a way of escape unto God.
They who have turned unto the Countenance are the people of Baha in the Crimson Book, and they who remained heedless are among the people of the fire.
The believers are in supreme joy while those who waver are in manifest distress - the fire of hell scorcheth their faces and their hearts are consumed by flames and blazing fire and the torment of burning.
O thou who art intoxicated with the wine of the love of God! Indeed, the wings of the peacock spread out in the midmost heart of paradise and the crow croaked in the ruinous waste. The Dove sang in the thickly planted grove of faithfulness and the owl screeched in the ominous land.
O thou who art attracted to the light that hath shone forth from the dawning place of mysteries! Come to the most great attainment! Come to the radiant light! Come to the great prosperity! Come to the wondrous grace! Come to the luminous moon! Come to the shining lamp! Come to the ancient Covenant! Come to the firm Testament!
Earthquakes have broken loose, successive calamities have appeared, tests have deepened, and trials have waxed greater. The horizons of the hearts of the people of negligence have been darkened by the clouds of rebellion. The water of certitude hath run dry, and the scalding water of idle fancies and vain imaginings hath streamed forth. Doubts have spread, and perplexing interpretations have divulged. They have abandoned the appointed Centre and the mightiest edifice that rested upon the explicit Text, and followed every erring wanderer, every deaf speaker and every blind one that hath gone astray. Did they think they would be left to themselves?
Nay! When the nightingale singeth in the meadows of eternity, and the dove of holiness warbleth in the forests of grandeur, when the lights of divine assistance appear in the midmost heart of the heavens, and the flames of oneness shine in the lamps of the chosen ones, when the ways are paved and the paths are straightened; when the Trumpet of rapture bloweth and the Bugle of life soundeth; when the hosts of the Abha Kingdom hasten forth and the chargers of the angels of the celestial concourse are spurred onward, when the banner of the Covenant is raised and the sail of Testament and concord is unfurled--on that day, thou wilt behold the steadfast ones in Paradise, sheltered beneath His outspread shadow, in a station of praise and glory and in manifest grace; and thou wilt see the dismayed ones in the shadow of a black smoke, in an evil and narrow abode, and in sorrow and loss until the day they are brought again to life.
O thou who seekest the lights of guidance! Wert thou to observe this new Dispensation with penetrating sight thou wouldst see how the world of existence hath become a fresh creation from the effulgences of the Ancient Beauty and wert thou look clearly at this new cycle thou wouldst see how its true aspect hath been adorned with both visible and invisible perfections from His Supreme Horizon.
Change and transformation have overtaken the world.
Say: Observe ye how He hath set the world in motion. This is the earthquake of that Hour which hath appeared and seized all save a few who have drawn nigh unto the Divine Countenance.
The earth hath been shaken in these days and the cry hath been raised between earth and heaven. Thus hath the matter been decreed from the presence of the Lord of the Throne above and of the earth below.
Earthquakes have appeared and the tribes have lamented, and the people are in manifest agitation.
The pillars of the earth are quaking and the foundations of humanity are trembling.
Tremors have seized the tribes, and turmoil hath encompassed the dwellers of earth, save whom God hath willed. That which hath appeared hath transcended the power of comprehension. Conjecture hath no path to what hath been manifested, and fancy hath no movement in this arena for Persia. Glorified be the All-Bountiful, the Possessor of Great Grace! The King of Names hath astounded the manifestations of might and wealth, and realms which their men had imagined to be free from decline now show evident cracks.
Say to 'Ali, upon him be My glory: "The Truth hath secretly assisted the one who was occupied with abasement. The world hath changed, the mountain moveth, the sun speaketh, the vibration of the manifestation hath set Mount Sinai in motion. Glory be to God! It is as though the Resurrection is at hand and the Hour hath appeared. The one who led astray hath become a guide."
O fragrance from the gardens of certitude! This is the time of rising and resurrection, and the moment of passing and blowing.
O Shams! Behold on one hand the radiance of His grace's lights which, with a single effulgence, hath adorned all the heavens of the unseen majesty with suns of glory and honored the mountains of holy oneness with the appearance of hidden mines. And on the other hand, the piercing meteor of His [presence] hath demolished all the thrones of loftiness and elevation, and cast down the exalted suns of the heaven of grandeur to the dust of abasement.
Let him who findeth himself worthy of this most exalted station arise to render this service; otherwise, let him choose for himself a deputy to manifest this Cause whereby every firm edifice hath been shaken, the mountains have been crushed, and souls have been thunderstruck.
Were We to lift the veil, thou wouldst witness the people circling round the will of thy Lord, Who ruleth over all that are in the heavens and on earth.
Although in one sense this servant observes that just as it is, is beloved, as was said before: "Nothing in creation is more perfect than what is."
Blessed are the sincere ones. Today is the day of the sincere ones. Today is the day of those drawn nigh. They drink from the cups of recognition despite the people of creation, and they partake of the Kawthar of life, hidden from those who have denied the All-Merciful.
He replied: "This refers to the great disturbance which is to occur in that day -- the latter day. That those souls who occupy the highest stations shall be reverted to the lowest and the souls who occupy the lowest degrees shall be promoted to the highest.
The power of the Word of God has rent asunder the veils - how it has united us, given complete connection to hearts, made East and West one, brought the distant near, and made the stranger intimate! Yet from another perspective it has separated brother from brother and father from son.
In the day of every Universal Dispensation two great events occur; one is collection and the other is separation. That is, it will divide the father from the mother and the brother from the sister. For instance, when the father believes and the mother disbelieves, separation is produced; when the brother accepts the Message and the sister rejects it, division will occur; when the son is converted and the daughter is perverted, partition will take place.
The abomination of desolation is the one who appears and tries to destroy the Truth and who makes some changes in the teachings of GOD. He will destroy the foundation of the teachings of GOD from among the people.
His intention is destruction, and it is divided into two parts, one physical and the other spiritual.
Whenever a promise is broken, it causes a commotion. For instance, suppose two nations have a disagreement has a physical effect. It causes war, and thousands of men are cut in pieces. So, when man breaks his promise to God, in other words when he "violates the Covenant," the effect is physical, and calamities appear.
On one side the attacks of the enemies from within, on another side the onslaught of the adversaries from without, still on another side the disunity among the friends.
Consider how the diverse tribes, the many nations of the world and all our human kindred are like ants who make their nests under the layers of the earth where they store up their food. But when the sudden rains begin, when floods start to flow, then every little nest and all these homes are washed away and utterly destroyed.
What carpet hath not been rolled up, what edifice hath not been destroyed, what glory hath not come to an end, and what sun hath not set!
Soon shall the dominion of the oppressors and the proud ones pass away, and the might of the rebellious and the tyrannical ones shall vanish like unto those who have gone before.
In any case, when the cries and lamentations of the friends reached to high heaven, this wanderer wrote a detailed letter in response saying: "Do not be deceived by this temporal glory, for the glory of these people is like a summer cloud and like a mirage. Soon it will be transformed and this clamor will turn to wailing. These divines saw the stable but not the end. Soon they will be scattered and regretful, and will be caught in manifest loss."
The standards of divine unity shall be raised high, and the banners of the signs of your Glorious Lord shall wave upon the lofty edifice. The foundation of doubts shall be shaken, the veil of darkness shall be rent asunder, the dawn of clear proofs shall break forth, and the Kingdom of earth and heaven shall be illumined with the lights of His signs. You shall see the banners of the various factions brought low and their standards reversed, faces effaced and transformed, eyes vacant and sunken, hearts trembling and failing, houses empty and desolate, bodies weak and decaying, and souls plunging into the abyss.
Today the enemies are seen to have gained ascendancy over the friends. As ye have witnessed and heard, most cities and regions have fallen under the control of strangers, and the fire of sedition and corruption hath been kindled in most lands.
Today is the day of helplessness and supplication, for the oppressors of the earth have surrounded from all directions the party that is associated with the Truth. This fire of oppression will not be extinguished save through the power of God, exalted be His glory.
Since this is how matters stand, grave events will certainly occur. Iran will find no peace and Iranians will attain no success or prosperity. Rather, difficulties will increase day by day. At times sedition will arise in the north and strangers will seek familiarity; at times in the south winds of discord will blow.
Consider the upheavals in European lands ahead - all became hopeless, then new souls benefited. Those helpless ones suffered crises, then strangers came and seized the ball from the field.
The social unrest in all countries, the growing religious scepticism prophesied as antecedent to the millennium, will set aflame the whole of Europe, as is prophesied in the 1st of Daniel and in the Book of John.
In Malachi Chapter 4, verse1: Since creation the world has been controlled by wicked people who have oppressed the good people. They have tortured the messengers of God but in this time, thorough the powers of Europe and America, justice has prevailed, oppression has been suppressed. The world has been put in a better condition and thus the wicked will be burned and have no power nor influence.
Those who are endued with spiritual insight see in th[is] small chapter a small portrayal of the present upheaval in all parts of the world for it demonstrates the depth of wisdom and divine perception of the founder of Islam. Many Koranic commentators have written pages after page[s] on the interpretation of this chapter referring their exegesis to the day of resurrection. We are now in the Cycle of resurrection and one of its manifold phases is the Universal War.
If these governments were endowed with deep insight they could see clearly that already all their ships are sunk and disappeared from the surface of water. Where will these hot-tempered, stiff-necked, headstrong and vain-glorious nations be at the first dawn of 21st century? They have all vanished from the face of the earth.
The world and its condition will change to such a degree and the Baha'i Cause will prevail to such an extent that nothing but a remnant - like these pillars - will remain of the previous order.
Now the flood of destruction hath reached its crest. From now on there will be a period of construction. This plain will be built and will become inhabited by a happy people. It will not take a long time this prediction will become fulfilled!
The world is in turmoil and whatsoever hath been recorded and set down by the Pen of Revelation in the Sacred Tablets is now manifest and evident.
Sometimes a stupendous, unforeseen calamity results from the means intended for peace and quiet; and sometimes calamity leads to tranquility and rest, confusion precedes composure, and a destruction results in rebuilding.
Now the wisdom of this American disaster is not known to the many people of this generation, because they are too much absorbed in the immediate sufferings and hardships that it has brought in its train. When the flood is subsided and the people shake off the temporary gloom, they will then realize that after this destruction there is construction; after this suffering there will be blessing. After this death there will be life. After this darkness there will be light. After this loss there will be profit. After this devastation there will be upbuilding. After this havoc there will be prosperity. After this failure there will be success and after this war of elements there will be glorious peace and greater civilization.
Speaking of the general turbulence of those times, He said: "These things must happen. The clouds will not gather moisture from the sea until the wind blows. Clouds must gather and rain fall and storms appear, or there will be no spring; then we should have no flowers, no fruit, no blessings of Spring. All the happenings in the Cause are for the future fruit."
This century is pregnant with the most mighty and world-reforming events. Now it is going through the painful throes of a new birth. The body of the world must go through these tortures and agonies,- so that the beautiful babes of universal ideals may be born on the arena of existence.
If a person desires to comprehend the wisdom of the present day events he must think of the past occurrences and realize how their true significances appeared years afterwards.
… The Inward benefic force bodies forth in the garment of Appearances, often followed by convulsive extortions and exacerbating paroxysm.
There is a recondite wisdom and divine prescience in all these universal revolutions and upheavals. God is working out His Plan through all these sweeping organic changes, destructive social cataclysms and the overthrow and downfall of all the tenacious old maxims and ideas.
This old world of ours is undergoing undreamed of changes and revolutions. It is in a transitional state, shedding off its old skin and taking into itself new ligaments and building up new tissues.
Out of the innumerable plays presented for the serious study or amusements of the people of every age, a master-drama is acted, all the characters of which fill most important roles, and every scene being a climax of absorbing interest to all mankind.
The inhabitants of the world will not become mindful and aware of the Bounties and Favors of the Glorious Lord; nay rather when these Bestowals pour upon them uninterruptedly, their negligence increases in equal ratio. Perhaps through these tremendous calamities and great catastrophes they may become awakened and intelligent and turn their faces toward their Creator.
Sometimes earthquakes arise, sometimes famine and drought appear, sometimes the tempest of factions stirs up - and this affliction continues until the lovers of that Sweet-Lipped One emerge and partake of the honey-sweetness of that Beloved. Then peace will come. All these events are so that the factions may awaken, become conscious, seek freedom from self and passion, and seek rest and peace under the Tree of Life.
Day by day chaos and disorder in the world are increasing. Finally it will reach such a degree that human nature cannot bear it. At that time awakening will occur and souls will become aware that religion is an impregnable fortress and faith is a manifest light and divine laws, counsels and teachings are the quickener of the earth.
Now that the calamity of following the fatwas of thoughtless clerics has become apparent, and the result of party divisions has become evident, if they now awaken and undertake to make amends for what was lost, they will no longer count the friends of God as strangers, and will not consider souls following their own desires as well-wishers and kind ones, will not count wolves as shepherds, and will engage in love and unity, uproot the foundation of division, and make the counsels and advice found in the sacred tablets their course of action, once again times will become sweet as sugar.
However, humanity is not yet at peace and will still endure hardship until order is established and comfort achieved.
Although you are right - these events do disturb minds - yet this ship is always in the mighty ocean with continuous and successive waves, sometimes intense and sometimes mild. But calm and tranquility are impossible and unattainable. Rather, these are necessary aspects of the work and nothing new.
These disturbances and tempests are like waves - they come and go, but the sea will ultimately find tranquility and calm. These bitter times, more bitter than poison, shall pass; once again times sweet as sugar shall come.
For a time it shall continue thus, even as the duration thereof hath been revealed and recorded in the Book of God. But be not thou sorrowful, for the effulgences of the Sun of Truth shall assuredly absorb the superfluous moistures of nature and shall gather together the scattered letters.
The world and its people are in a state of excitement and turmoil and the foundation of all things is trembling. The eyes of the people of discernment have been opened and enlightened and the conscience of those understanding has bloomed like a rose garden.
'Abdu'l-Baha: "After this War, the minds and understandings [of people] will have expanded. Peace-lovers and peace-makers will grow throughout all corners of the globe."
However, afterwards, the number of peace-loving people will grow considerably, and the commotions, uproars and the mighty tumult will precipitate [universal] peace.
One of the instruments which will bring about universal peace is this very war, so that all the people might be disgusted with this confusion of the war, and that all the world of humanity might be inclined toward Peace.
Praise be to God, the black cloud of war has dispersed and the dawn of universal peace has begun to shine brilliantly. … Again the life-giving breeze has wafted and souls have attained their desires and been delivered from the darkness of deprivation.
Praise to be God, the gloomy clouds of war have been partly dissipated from the horizon of the world. The hope is entertained that gradually they will utterly vanish and rest and comfort will be established.
Let us hope that there shall be a speedy settlement for all these barbaric, brutal destruction and new vandalism and that love may take the place of enmity.
God willing, the world of humanity will find rest; the existing competition between the powers may pass away. Thank God we are free from all these questions. His Holiness Baha'u'llah has emancipated us.
The whole world has fallen upon each other. There is killing and plunder, there is beating, there is destruction. We, praise be to God, are in perfect love and peace, apart from all these conflicts and struggles.
This universal tempest was so terrifying, frightening and dreadful that reason could not conceive that this oppressed community would remain protected and preserved in all lands. This is naught but through the extraordinary conquering power of the Desired One - may my spirit be sacrificed for His loved ones' footsteps.
In any case, all the governments and peoples of the world have fallen into grievous torment from the fire of this universal war. The foundation of humanity was shaken and the human world fell into a great crisis. All peoples became the target of the arrows of calamities. Yet through the infinite favors of the Blessed Beauty, this oppressed party remained protected and preserved in all regions, and this is due to the blessedness of the divine teachings, for all nations and governments are certain that the Party of God has no purpose or intention except peace, reconciliation, the unity of the human world, and fellowship and kindness.
Observe that although this terrible war has uprooted the foundation of all peoples and all nations have fallen into great turmoil and compared to before have become disordered, have declined and reached a state of fall and descent - except these supplicating, imploring souls who are in the shadow of the favor of the Blessed Beauty and are day by day ascending and progressing while all others are falling and declining.
Praise be to God that in these years of upheaval you have been protected in divine safekeeping, while most people are in the utmost turmoil and distress and all regions of the world have been consumed and inflamed in the fire of bloodshed. Yet the friends of God, through the blessedness of the divine teachings, have passed through the days of war in Asia, America and Africa in perfect peace and security, protected from all calamities and full of joy and delight.
The utmost joy was attained that during these years of upheaval when war in the world was like the flood of Noah, despite this the true friends increased in sincere love and demonstrated steadfastness and firmness as they should.
If their instigation and corruption did not exist, the fame of God's Cause would not be raised. In this there is wisdom for those who have insight.
Say: Be not grieved by the fire of sedition and corruption that has been kindled through the hardness of men's hearts. I swear by the light of God's countenance, shining and manifest from the Most Exalted Horizon, these matters have been and are the cause of the exaltation of the Word of God.
Today the lovers have a melody, and the City of Love is illumined and purified by the sweet and holy breaths of the friends of God, exalted be His glory. In truth I say these wrongs shall not be lost. The fire of hatred shall leave its traces until the end that hath no end, that all may become aware of the tyrannies perpetrated by the manifestations of iniquity and wickedness against the dawning-places of righteousness and piety.
The foolish and ignorant ones imagined that due to the calamities of Yazd the fire of Moses was extinguished and the spirit of Christ was cut off. Far, far from it! Rather, the lamp of the Cause became more brilliant and the dawning star of the love of God displayed the radiance of the sun. "They desire to extinguish God's light with their mouths, but God refuses to do aught save perfect His light, though the infidels abhor it."
You observed what severe trials and tribulations befell this Cause in Iran. The Iranians thought this Cause had human foundations and that through government and people's opposition, its mention would be erased and forgotten from the pages of hearts. They did not understand that opposition, tribulation, killing of souls and great martyrdom would increase the influence of God's Cause and exalt the Word of God. Therefore the more they tried to extinguish this divine lamp, the brighter it became.
Regarding a polemic pamphlet that was published in Tihran, 'Abduil-Baha stated:
People are exerting [great efforts] to extinguish the Light of God. They have written and will write many polemics, as they recently wrote in Tihran. However, they do not understand that these polemics will only serve to propagate the Word of God. They will not be able to deny the Sun its radiance.
Thus, even after the opposition and objection of kings and others, in every age the fire of the divine Tree hath enkindled the hearts of the servants, such that now in most lands the standards of His Cause are raised up. The murky waters of the objections of heedless souls cannot extinguish this fire; rather they cause it to blaze more fiercely.
Observe how different nations of the world are openly and evidently in constant war with the Blessed Cause, sparing no means to extinguish the kindled fire of God.
O thou who speaketh the praise of God!
When the Morn of Eternity illumined the horizon of the world, the bats were scattered, crying "Woe unto us! No scope or field remains for us, our shop and market are ruined!"
O companions of `Abdu'l-Baha! The people of malice have stretched forth the hand of aggression, perpetrated injustices and acts of cruelty, and raised a clamor and cry that they might interrupt the life-giving breezes blowing from the paradise of Abha and conceal the lights shining from the Daystar of Truth.
Wherever We go, We kindle a light. Our enemies, the violators of the Covenant, however, exert to extinguish that light. Wherever We plant a tree, our rebellious acquaintances try to uproot it.
Present this matter to that distinguished person of lofty accomplishments: that with all these hostile factions, differing opinions, hidden corruptions, and secret societies, it is evident that beneficial results are impossible. One must lay a foundation and establish a structure whose palace will reach beyond the Pleiades.
… How strange, how utterly strange, that most of the servants are seen to be deprived. Some are held back by the intoxication of pride, others by the intoxication of wealth, some by the conditions of self and desire, and yet others by the doubts and intimations of the divines, together with the turning away, objections and denial of the people of the earth.
O people of God! Let not the oppression of the oppressors sadden you. The Cause of God hath encompassed the world. Soon shall the standard of divine sanctification be raised through you and in your name throughout the world.
The darkness of error hath encompassed East and West and is engaged in battle with the light of guidance in this most great cycle. Its arrows and spears are very sharp and piercing, and its army most bloodthirsty.
O friends of the All-Merciful and companions of the Lord! The world is the arena for the horsemen of truth and the battlefield for the hosts of the Kingdom of the King of Oneness, that they may break the mighty ranks of misguidance and repel the assault of ignorance, and that the hosts of light may attack with piercing flames and vanquish the armies of darkest night, and that the luminosity of the Greatest Guidance may make the arena of the universe the envy of the radiant heavens, and that the might and power of the Lord's light may utterly destroy the force and dominion of the evil ones.
O you who are illumined by the rays of the Sun of Truth! According to what I have heard, nay rather what is proven, nay I seek God's forgiveness, what is evident and well-known, that servant of the Beauty of the Intended One finds the garment of physical existence too confining and considers remaining in the body a shame and disgrace. Day and night they yearn to sacrifice their life, with a passion for casting themselves into the fire and scattering pearls.
The station of sacrifice is indeed highly acceptable and desirable, but today one must be in such a state as to become martyred every hour and sacrifice a thousand lives every minute. However, martyrdom is to give up one's life once and race to the highest heaven, but it is even more pleasant on this plane to sacrifice a hundred thousand lives at every moment with utmost joy and delight, to arise to serve the Cause of the Lord of Oneness, to charge into the field of valor and guidance, to scatter the forces of error and darkness through the lights of the Dawning-Place of Oneness, to break apart the ranks of the army of heedlessness, to arrange the spiritual battle lines, to organize the army of inner meanings, to raise high the banner of knowledge, to launch a mighty attack upon the forces of ignorance and unawareness, and then, having returned victorious from this struggle, to set out for the feast of the Abha Kingdom, advancing with drums and retinue and parasol and standard, hastening to the Abha Kingdom with perfect gladness and bounties, with drums and verses of triumph and victory and banners of ascendancy and conquest - this is more pleasant and more attractive.
We are fighting for Peace, Brotherhood, unity of mankind; we are fighting to break your combinations of powers, to hurl down your despotic thrones, to regain the authority that you have usurped and assumed as the inherent rights of autocracy; we are fighting to promote the ideals of democracy throughout the expanse of the earth; we are fighting to insure love and brotherliness to generations yet unborn; we are fighting to uproot the burdock of your coarse influence and cleanse our bodies from its tenacious burrs; we are fighting to burn your thousand-nettled thistles of evils; we are fighting for the transformation of this dark world into the world of light; we are fighting for the establishment of the principles of divine civilization in the hearts of men; we are fighting to hold aloft for ever the banner of a universal commonwealth.
O promulgator of the Covenant! The hosts of the Abha Kingdom and the legions of the Most Exalted Realm are successively rushing down from the heavenly realm. The ranks and multitudes of the peoples of the nether world are consecutively routed, condemned and broken. Armies like waves are continuous and tumultuous forces are successive. With this overwhelming might and resplendent majesty and conquering strength and perfect power, assuredly soon "necks shall be humbled and voices hushed."
O friends steadfast in the Covenant and Testament! A hundred glad tidings that the hosts of the Abha Kingdom and the unseen legions have been dispatched by the Beauty of Baha to the East and West, and they have broken and continue to break the ranks throughout all regions.
The Kingdom hath advanced with its hosts, retinue, armies and banners, and cast its waves upon the desert of the contingent world. It hath pitched its tents in the valley of existence with its forces and legions, and soon shall its spiritual armies seize the pillars of the world.
The battle lines of nations are being successively broken, and thousands of armies of peoples are repeatedly being routed moment by moment.
Therefore, O Lord of Hosts, confirm us so that the army of light may achieve victory and the forces of darkness may be defeated.
O steadfast one in the Covenant! At all times, whether in Shiraz or Azerbaijan, the sweet fragrance from your garden of faith and certitude reached our nostrils, and from your spiritual throat was heard the melody of "Ya Baha'u'l-Abha." Therefore we hope from the Generous Lord that day by day your face will become more radiant and your knowledge, faith and certitude will increase. May you become the commander of spiritual hosts and the leader of heavenly armies. May you unlock the cities of hearts and conquer the fortresses of souls.
No earthly army can resist this spiritual force, for its weapons are knowledge and certitude, and its sword is all-conquering light. Physical forces may resist earthly armies but cannot contend with heavenly hosts.
As has been proven thousands of times - the rebellious Thamud tribe were fierce enemies but could not prevent the power of Salih; and though the people of 'Ad were oppressive, still the spiritual sword of Hud was not sheathed and the kindled fire of God was not extinguished; and though the wretched Nimrod made the clash of weapons echo to the horizons, he could not resist the glorious Abraham; and though the misguided Egyptians arranged their army in ranks, they could not wage war against Moses; and though the obstinate Jews raised an uproar and considered the Promised Beauty as extinguished fire, and though they raised their voices and engaged in all kinds of persecution and cruelty, in the end they could not resist; and the chiefs of Hijaz inflicted all manner of persecution and injury upon the Lord of Batha [Muhammad] and caused Him tribulations to the extent possible, even forcing that Lord of the Righteous to migrate, whereupon He proclaimed the Word of God in Yathrib. Then different peoples and various nations united and the Battle of the Confederates ensued and that Center of Light was besieged, yet still they could not prevail.
These are but brief examples from past experience, but alas, the present people, being heedless of this distinguishing matter, still attempt in utter negligence to resist the Promised Beauty and rush forward with a hundred thousand arrows of cruelty and swords of error. Soon they shall see what a grave mistake they have made. They seek to confine the all-encompassing ocean and swiftly prevent the spring cloud from its wondrous outpouring. Far be it! The morning breeze from the Abha Kingdom shall not cease, nor shall the musk-fragrance of faithfulness from the Abha garden be abolished.
In the days of Christ, the blessed Cause did not extend beyond the vicinity of Jerusalem - what transpired happened afterwards. And in the days of the Lord of Batha (may my spirit be sacrificed for the near ones), His glorious call was confined to Hijaz, but the fame of this mighty Cause in the Blessed Days reached East and West and Tablets to the kings were revealed. These blameworthy people heard and understood that the oppressive people could not resist the Lord of the Righteous, yet they remain heedless that this mighty blessed Cause has caused the horizons to quake and these weak groups cannot resist it. Soon they shall find themselves in manifest loss, just as that sinful son of a sinful one saw the recompense of his deeds and today thou seest him in great loss and abasement.
Convey to all the friends of God the Most Glorious, Most Wondrous greetings. His honor Amin praised you highly and always called upon this servant to seek confirmation and success for you. I too, when turning toward the Holy Shrine from the rooftop, have sought and continue to seek confirmation for you.
In all the worlds, who is the victor? Yazid or the noble 'Ali, the Jews or the promised Christ, the powerful Herod or John the chaste, the prophet Noah or the foolish people, the illustrious Abraham or the despised Nimrod, and so forth.
Napoleon established his kingdom through the power of oppression while Christ established His through the power of the love of God. A hundred thousand Napoleons may be effaced but the Kingdom of Christ will remain forever.
Our own 'war' is good because it conquers all. When a crown of thorns was placed on the head of Christ, He saw with His own eyes the crowns of kings under His feet. Now, when I look, I see all the powers and nations defeated, scattered and lost in the wilderness while the Cause of God is victorious over all and subdues all.
There is a power in this Cause, a mysterious power, far, far away from the ken of men and angels. That invisible power is the cause of all these outward activities. It moves the hearts. It rends the mountains. It administers the complicated affairs of the Cause. It inspires the friends. It dashes into a thousand pieces all the forces of opposition. It creates new spiritual worlds. This is a mystery of the Kingdom of Abha.
Although invisible, yet it works its way through the hearts of the people, impelling them to rise and serve their fellowmen. It is the most irresistible, irrepressible energy in the world of creation. In a twinkling of an eye it removes the most insurmountable barriers and defeats the most determined army of opposition.
Observe how the power of the Cause of God has created a tumult in the hearts and what a revolution it has produced. See how the aid and assistance of the Abha Beauty have reached us constantly and invariably the lights of victory have shone from the supreme horizon.
The confirmations of the Ancient Beauty are in every moment the intimate companion, and the victory of the Greatest Name in every breath conquers the hearts of the people of the world.
Owing to the false reports forwarded to the Sublime Porte, many cablegrams were sent by Abdul Hamid to the Governor of Haifa to stop progress or watch its construction. Many spies were daily busy around this building, and the slightest move on the part of any of the laborers was reported to the military headquarters. In reality to bring the remains of the BAB from Persia and inter it in the unique building was the most difficult and at the same time the most triumphal work of the Cause.
What ignorance is this, that a handful of dust should seek to eclipse the stars of heaven, that a few bats should pursue the concealment of the rays of the sun, that contemptible sparrows should seek the abasement of the soaring vulture of the ethereal realm, that lowly worms should seek to prevent the sweet fragrance of Paradise, that abject kites should desire the defeat of the glorious eagle, and that a weak gnat should covet the throne of Solomon, the king of existence.
They desire to extinguish God's light with their mouths, but God refuses except to perfect His light, though the unbelievers detest it.
The ignorant people and the indolent masses imagined that the accumulated clouds and piled-up mists would darken the Sun at the zenith of bounties and conceal it in the west of decline. But with one burning effulgence from the Dawning-Place of the unseen Kingdom, He so dissolved and scattered those dense clouds that minds were amazed.
The darkness of negligence shall not darken the light of truth, especially after it has set Africa and America ablaze. It may be possible and easy to block a spring, but what can be done about the sea? Cutting off the water of a stream is feasible, but how can one obstruct a mighty flood?
O you who are stirred by the breezes of grace! In this Most Great Resurrection, when the services to the Ancient Beauty have set the heart of the world in motion, a group of the frozen and dead have imagined they can prevent the Most Great Sea from its advancing waves, or deprive the Most Glorious Orb of its dawn-time rays, or deny the horizons of nations from the continuous outpourings of this daybreak. Vain indeed are their deeds.
How thoughtless are those people whose aim is to [down] this Great Ocean. They construct around it with their puny efforts dams and fortifications, ramparts and embankments but the perennial waves of the Great Ocean beat against them and slowly, slowly, surely, unmistakably wash them all away into its own body, absorb them and leave behind not a single trace.
The Cause of God is like the Sea. It will not accept a dead body, but throws it back upon the shore.
This Cause is assisted by Divine Power and nothing can prevent its progress. It is like the sun; all the clouds of the world cannot prevent its shining. Therefore, I hope these clouds of differences which sometimes appear will disappear entirely and that the Sun of Truth will shine most brilliantly.
Be not grieved by the world's differences and the dispersion of affairs. Soon there shall appear what hath been ordained for thee from the Pen of Revelation.
Although the dust of malice hath prevented the light from shining forth, yet the time shall come when it will appear without any veil and illumine the whole world.
Divine power hath encompassed all mankind, though this encompassing is now veiled by reason of the veils of the people. Ere long shall the Hand of Power rend asunder these veils and shrouds, and the faces of His loved ones shall shine forth like brilliant stars throughout all regions, and their station shall become evident and manifest unto all the peoples of the world.
Although at present dark clouds have obscured this sun of love, rest assured that the rays and heat of the Sun of Truth will eventually disperse these dark clouds, that a true, clear, and pure horizon will be reached, and the sun will continue to shine with utmost power, energy, and light.
Though in these days of tribulation the winds of sedition have extinguished the lamp of the love of the All-Merciful in the breasts of men, yet God will cause it to be rekindled through His command, for verily He hath power over all things.
Soon you shall observe how the holy fragrances encompass the East and the West, and how the banner of Ya Baha'u'l-Abha waves throughout all regions. The faces of the righteous shall shine with the effulgence of light, and the spirituality of the chosen ones shall triumph over the materiality of the wicked. Then shall the believers rejoice.
O Rustam! The people of tyranny desired to overthrow the divine ordinance. The divine champion, the Word of God, entered the arena, routed the army of ignorance, and with the rays of the Sun of Truth scattered the hosts of darkness. This radiant effulgence shone forth like the dawn, and the celestial Sun cast its rays. Day by day this light grows brighter and the darkness of ignorance is dispelled.
But out of all this impenetrable darkness there rises the beaming of Light of Faith and out of these uproars and wild confusions one hears the Voice of Peace. Above this reign of Terror there is the Sovereignty of Truth and beyond this welter of carnage one sees the resplendent era of brotherhood.
O Rustam! Oppression hath encompassed the world, ignorance and heedlessness like a dark night hath seized both East and West and rendered them dark.
For this pitch darkness a dispeller is needed, and for these devastating trials a remover is required. For darkness there can be no dispeller save light, and for the sorrowful darkness of night there can be no remover save the luminous lamp.
Thus did the Lord kindle the lamp of guidance, and the heat of its blazing fire consumed the veil of separation from sincere seekers.
At a time when humanity was surrounded by the darkness of estrangement and alienation, when dissension, hatred, enmity and ignorance stalked the world, when negligence, selfishness and the rapacity of wild beasts had become common among men, when the horizon of the world had become so dim that everyone had forgotten about the existence of light and thought darkness an essential condition of humanity, something from which it was absolutely impossible to be free, suddenly the light of truth did shine, the horizon of the world was illumined and its rays were spread in the east and the west.
O ye two candles of the love of God! The world of existence was darkness, and the contingent world was in blindness and gloom. Darkness was piled upon darkness, and error upon error. Light was wholly absent, and bewilderment and confusion were present. Then did the resplendent dawn break, and the brilliant Sun rent asunder the veil. The light of truth shone forth, and the glad tidings of union arrived.
O thou who art stirred by the breaths of God!
When the light of His Essence shone forth from the lamp of oneness, both the horizons and the souls were illumined, and the darksome dust became the dawning-place of the signs of the All-Merciful.
The shining beams of light emanating from the Sun of Truth have illumined the horizons of the world of creation and the rays issuing forth from the Kingdom of divine unity have lit up the realm of being.
Darkness had encompassed all regions and the horizons had become darkened in all directions. Then the Ancient Morn breathed forth with the lights of the Greatest Name, whereupon the East and the West in their entirety became illumined.
This is the century in which the Divine Spirit pervades all things. This is the Age of Reality. The Sun of Reality will shine with such intensity as to entirely dispel the darkness of dogmas.
Praise to be God, that the gloomy nights of ignorance have flitted away across the receding ages, and the bright dawn of intelligence and wisdom is becoming visible. Praise to be God, that the cold winter of fanaticism and bigotry, with its chilling hand and irrational heterodoxy has come to an end, and the soul refreshing springtime of the imperishable flowers and hyacinths of universal love and toleration, has dawned, perfuming all the nostrils with the sweet odors of trust and confidence.
The darkness of suppression will disappear and the Light of Unity will shine.
The darkness of this gloomy night shall pass away. Again the Sun of Reality will dawn from the horizon of the hearts.
That darkness was transformed into light and that concealment led to manifestation. The lights of truth illumined the horizons and the fragrances from the garden of the All-Merciful perfumed all creation.
Soon will it transform the darkness of night into the light of day through its effulgence and radiance, and its signs will appear throughout all regions.
Now this infinite divine bounty is like the morning twilight appearing from the Dawning-Place, and soon the Sun of Reality will shed such radiance that the world will become illumined and East and West will become brilliant and radiant.
Then shall you behold the body of creation made resplendent and, decked forth in the utmost comeliness and beauty, revealed even as the dawning place of the light of God.
Soon these dark clouds will disperse and this dust will settle and the true dawn will shine forth and the real sun will spread its rays. The world will become the gardens of the All-Merciful and the earth will become the Most Glorious Paradise.
Thus will the dark world become luminous, the satanic field transformed into the courts of the Merciful, the mound of earth become the mound of Heaven and the terrestrial globe the Eternal Rose-garden.
Let the furnace of cruelty become the rose garden of faithfulness, and the dunghill of enmity become the rosebush of love and spirituality.
The Sun of the divine world hath dawned from the horizon of the temperate, spring equinox, resurrecting into new life the countries of the orient and the occident. The mountain and prairie of the Ideal world are adorned with green and verdant vegetation. The trees of the temples of humanity are clothed with the garments of New Bestowals and be gemmed with New blossoms and fruits. A most tremendous stir or motion is witnessed in the world of creation. All the phenomena are in the process of reformation and regeneration and all the creatures are chanting the verses of oneness with their tongues of consciousness and reality.
Rather, this heavenly tree becomes more firmly rooted day by day, puts forth branches, displays blossoms, and yields goodly fruits. It is like the good tree mentioned in the verse: "A goodly word is as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches reach to heaven, giving its fruit at all times."
All the lamps of the world shall be extinguished, except the Lamp of the Love of God. All the trees in the universe shall be cut down except the blessed Tree of the Kingdom of God.
Now that the Sun of Reality has risen and the lights of the Most Great Luminary have shone upon Turkistan, the breeze of favor is wafting and the divine fragrances are perfuming the nostrils. Turkistan must become a rose garden and Transoxiana must receive its portion and share from the Most Great Sea.
But now that the Sun of the celestial realm has risen from the horizon of Iran, the names of those ancient monarchs have been renewed and revived.
My hope is that the region of Germany may become, through the effulgent rays of the Sun of Reality, a supreme paradise and a divine realm.
Even in the center of materialism, that is, Paris, the divine teachings have been established, and it is hoped that the spirit of holiness will overthrow the foundation of every devil, the lights of truth will shine forth, and the darkness will be dispelled.
The thoughts of human brotherhood are permeating all regions. New ideals are stirring the depths of hearts and a new spirit of universal consciousness is being profoundly felt by all men.
However all these conditions shall change. The power of the Word of God shall influence the hearts to such an extent that not a trace of these thoughts shall remain.
If the teachings of Baha'u'llah achieve complete diffusion in Europe, all this oppression and bloodshed and destruction and transgression and hatred and enmity will be removed.
You must think now of spiritual affairs. Try to enlighten the morals and try to spread the teachings of Baha'u'llah, so that this fire of dissension which is burning in the world may be extinguished. It is impossible for the different nations and parties which exist now - such as socialists, Bolshevists, the extremists or radicals, strikers and those who wish for absolute authority, to leave these dissensions and be united - save through Baha'u'llah's teachings.
Spiritual Light is the only thing that will banish the present gross darkness and our duty is to find the centre of that Light. All other remedies are palliative and not permanent.
Today from all the countries of the world discordant and harsh voices are being raised which have a jarring and disagreeable effect upon the hearts. Above and beyond this dissonant babel, the harmonious melody of the Kingdom of Abha is poured forth by the Bird of Paradise to calm the contentious spirits and soothe the wrangling hearts. How sad it is that one is forced to listen to the strain of the martial music sung by the soldiers as they march, column after column disappearing forever in the darkness of the night of destruction! Will they not lend their ears to the celestial concert played by the Angels of Peace?
Those who serve the Cause of Love are confirmed. Let nothing discourage you. Cry out the word Peace. Push ahead. Seest thou not the light?"
But the donkeys kick, the dogs bark, the wolves tear other animals to pieces and the beasts of prey play havoc in the animal Kingdom. We must not be like the latter but exercise towards each other perfect love and amity ...
The earth has periodic waves like unto the waves of the Sea. The rising of one earth-wave covers under it all these wars, revolutions, contentions and strives.
The great question is this: In the world of existence, pause (or discontinuation of progress) marks the beginning of fall and decadence. for instance, as long as the bird soars or moves upward in the air, it is in progress. But no sooner it pauses than it begins to descend.
There is no such thing as self-development. Growth only comes by working for others.
It will surely come to pass; it is impossible to swim against the current of Niagara. Teaching the Truth is like building bridges by which humanity may cross over the current which threatens.
Praise be to God that in such a storm and such a general onslaught, when all hearts are troubled and souls are disturbed, 'Abdu'l-Baha with complete confidence and tranquility engaged you in building the honored House and occupied His Holiness the Afnan of the Blessed Tree, Jinab-i-Haji Mirza Muhammad-Taqi, with constructing the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar.
Although the booming cannons and the terrific noises of machine guns had thrown the world into utter commotion and earthquake in Europe and America, the voices of the members of this community were raised, encouraging men to the ideal of universal peace.
I hope that through the confirmations of the Abha Kingdom in these times when all parties are in tumult and upheaval, the friends of God may arise in perfect calm and composure and attraction to the divine fragrances and enkindlement with the fire of the love of God, and may become so radiant as to illumine both East and West.
But now is a time when the lamps must be full-flamed and kindled and brilliant so they may resist and dispel the accumulated darkness.
Soon the world from East to West will be illumined, but this depends on the power of the friends' efforts. If they conduct themselves as they should according to the teachings of the Blessed Beauty and manifest divine characteristics, the rays of the morn of oneness will spread with utmost speed....
Convey greetings to all the friends from the True One and say: What is beloved today is steadfastness, for the call of the All-Merciful is raised and likewise the cry of Satan.
Today the Call of God is raised high, and likewise the cawing of Satan. Strive ye that ye may drink from the Kawthar of steadfastness.
That which is of paramount importance today is steadfastness in the Cause of God, inasmuch as the satans of the earth have been and are engaged in misleading and seducing the people.
Further quotations · supplied wording and references
The day is approaching when We will have rolled up the world and all that is therein, and spread out a new order in its stead. He, verily, hath power over all things.
That God-born Force, irresistible in its sweeping power, incalculable in its potency, unpredictable in its course, mysterious in its workings, and awe-inspiring in its manifestations--a Force which, as the Bab has written, "vibrates within the innermost being of all created things," and which, according to Baha'u'llah, has through its "vibrating influence," "upset the equilibrium of the world and revolutionized its ordered life"--such a Force, acting even as a two-edged sword, is, under our very eyes, sundering, on the one hand, the age-old ties which for centuries have held together the fabric of civilized society, and is unloosing, on the other, the bonds that still fetter the infant and as yet unemancipated Faith of Baha'u'llah.
He can, if he be fair in his judgment, recognize in the chain of events which proclaim on the one hand the irresistible march of the institutions directly associated with the Revelation of Baha'u'llah and foreshadow on the other the downfall of those powers and principalities that have either ignored or opposed it -- he can recognize in them all evidences of the operation of God's all-pervasive Will, the shaping of His perfectly ordered and world-embracing Plan.
The resistless march of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, viewed in this light, and propelled by the stimulating influences which the unwisdom of its enemies and the force latent within itself both engender, resolves itself into a series of rhythmic pulsations, precipitated, on the one hand, through the explosive outbursts of its foes, and the vibrations of Divine Power, on the other, which speed it, with ever-increasing momentum, along that predestined course traced for it by the Hand of the Almighty.
...the history of the first hundred years of its evolution resolves itself into a series of internal and external crises, of varying severity, devastating in their immediate effects, but each mysteriously releasing a corresponding measure of divine power, lending thereby a fresh impulse to its unfoldment, this further unfoldment engendering in its turn a still graver calamity, followed by a still more liberal effusion of celestial grace enabling its upholders to accelerate still further its march and win in its service still more compelling victories. GPB.xiii
Trials and sufferings, Baha'u'llah has repeatedly warned us in His Tablets, are even as the oil that feeds the lamp. The Cause cannot reveal its full splendour unless and until it encounters and successfully overcomes the very obstacles that every now and then stand in its way, and for some time appear to threaten its very foundations. Such obstacles, tests and trials are indeed blessings in disguise, and as such are bound to help in promoting the Faith.
Who knows but that out of the turmoil which agitates the face of present-day society there may not emerge, sooner than we expect, the World-Order of Baha'u'llah, the bare outline of which is being but faintly discerned among the world-wide communities that bear His name? … Surely, we stand too near the colossal edifice His hand has reared to be able, at the present stage of the evolution of His Revelation, to claim to be able even to conceive the full measure of its promised glory.
This is the ebb of the tide. The Baha'is know that the tide will turn and come in, after mankind has suffered, with mighty waves of faith and devotion. The people will enter the Cause of God in troops, and the whole condition will change. The Baha'is see this new condition which will take place, as one on the mountain-top sees the first glimpse of the dawn, before others are aware of it; and it is toward that that the Baha'is must work.
The Faith advances, not at a uniform rate of growth, but in vast surges, precipitated by the alternation of crisis and victory. … This is the time for which we must now prepare ourselves; this is the hour whose coming it is our task to hasten.
Lift up your hearts above the present and look with eyes of faith into the future! Today the seed is sown, the grain falls upon the earth, but behold the day will come when it shall rise a glorious tree and the branches thereof shall be laden with fruit. Rejoice and be glad that this day has dawned, try to realize its power, for it is indeed wonderful! God has crowned you with honour and in your hearts has He set a radiant star; verily the light thereof shall brighten the whole world!
Fix your gaze on the mighty possibilities, the incalculable blessings, the indomitable spirit of this growing and struggling Faith of God, and do not allow the petty disputes and inevitable differences of the present to obscure your vision of the resplendent glories which the future of the Cause has in store for its steadfast and valiant supporters.
For thought and discussion