past, present and future of Iran
Editorial introduction
Love for a homeland is rarely simple, and for Iran it holds pride, grief, reproach and hope in a single breath. Bahá’u’lláh addresses the people of Iran as the dawning-places of mercy whose learning once lit the regions of the world, and then asks how they came to turn upon themselves and their friends. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá remembers a Persia that was the heart of the world, the source of sciences and arts, and refuses to believe its people inherently deficient; he calls them to wake from a long sleep, to acquire knowledge, build railways, educate daughters and sons, and serve the welfare of all. His prayer for Persia asks, after loss, for a new springtime in which barren dust turns into a rose garden. To love a country in this way leads naturally to the relationship between government and people, to the long argument over constitutional rule and parliaments, and to the meeting of East and West. The Analects’ image of virtuous rule as a polar star, and its distinction between merely avoiding punishment and cultivating character, offers a companion thought on what renewal finally asks of those who govern [1].
The Great Announcement proclaimeth: O people of Iran! Ye have been the dawning-places of mercy and the daysprings of compassion and love. The regions of the world were illumined and adorned with the light of your knowledge. How is it that ye have arisen to destroy yourselves and your friends?
May Iranians advance to such a degree that they will shine throughout all regions, become the example for all nations, establish the virtues of the human world, and progress both materially and culturally. May Iran become the center of sciences and arts and the source of crafts and innovations. May it serve the world of morality, become the cause of promoting universal peace. May it establish unprecedented laws and ordinances that will serve as a model throughout all regions, and this is not difficult for God to accomplish.
You must ever concentrate your thoughts on the acquisition of knowledge, that unending confirmations may successively reach you from the Kingdom of God, and that through His grace you may exert mighty efforts and strenuous endeavors for the progress of Iran and the advancement of the Iranian people, and that you may become near ones at the Divine Threshold and draw nigh unto the court of the All-Merciful.
Railways have become widespread throughout all regions of the world. Now the merchants and wealthy ones among the Baha'is must think day and night about building railways in Iran.
… Truly if this railway is built it will cause the development of the Ottomans and Iranians, indeed all the people of Asia, for it will facilitate the pilgrimage and expand general commerce.
Again: - "We are striving that the moral stamina of Persia be reinforced, her commerce be increased, her system of education be perfected, her scientific attainment be improved.
Because the Sun of Reality has risen from the horizon of Iran, the Iranians must act in such a way that the realm of Iran becomes the crown of the world - and that is the unity of the human world and the union and agreement of all humanity. … The Iranians should attain to this bounty and triumph more than others.
Iran must act in such a way that others derive greater benefit from the appearance of the Sun of Truth--meaning that the divine teachings should have greater effect in other lands than in Iran itself, for Iran is the dawning-place of the Sun of Truth and its rays must spread from Iran to other regions.
Through the great bounty of the Merciful Lord, I hope that each of these newcomers will become the cause of Iran's progress and the nobility of Iranians. Indeed, may they shine like lamps in the assembly of the world and gleam like bright stars from the horizon of the world.
… Iran will become the center of divine inspirations and the source of endless bounties for humanity.
Now is the time for you to take the lead and bring the melody of the angel of the Supreme Concourse to the ears of humanity, so that perhaps the Persian people in this divine cycle may be so stirred to enthusiasm and excitement that they may snatch the ball of precedence and leadership from all others in the arena of knowledge.
Iran is desolate and in need of noble souls who would establish new foundations for Iran's prosperity. But alas, alas! Previously all were drowning in desires, having no aim except amassing worldly ornaments.
If this is carried out, rest assured that in a short time Iran will become bright and illumined like the full moon and will make extraordinary progress in all material and spiritual degrees.
Take on the radiance of the good ones and accept the way of the ancient kings. Become a Faridun in guidance and a Jamshid of the realm of God's incomparable love. Become a fairy-faced Manuchehr of the free spirits and a Kayumars of the city of the righteous.
This day is the anniversary of many historical events, among them the victory of the Persians over the Arabs who invaded Persia and were successfully repulsed.
This day in Persia inaugurates a feast which continues for thirteen days and in which all take part, rich and poor alike.
For from the time of Alexander the Greek until the emergence of Ardishir, Iran was in ruins and under the dominion and aggression of foreigners. Although outwardly there were local kings, in reality Iran was under the influence and control of ill-wishers.
During the period of history of the Parthians from 400 B.C. until 300 A.D. (namely during the 'dark 700 years'), the time-honoured language of the 'Avesta' declined. The 'Zend' deteriorated into a mixture with neighbouring languages. Under the rule of the Sassanids the Aramaic language of the Near East displaced all the other language mixtures and combined with the Old Persian to a new language structure, the 'Pahlavi' or 'Huzvaresh', which became the living language of the peoples of the entire central and western Persian realm.
The first musician of Persia is Barbod who lived about 2000 yrs ago. He is the first man who translated these pleasant sounds into the voice of man. he divided music into twelve measures giving to each measure a particular name. … The second musical genius of Persia is "Faraby" who lived 1000 yrs ago and invented the musical notes. The Europeans claim that they are the ones who originated the notes but the book of "Faraby" was found in the Arabian Library of Spain and sets at naught such a claim.
The realm of Iran is the Eastern clime and has been the country of the godly ones from the beginning. For a time, there came a decline and negligence appeared. The moon of its glory's zenith set, and the star of its wisdom and knowledge descended.
… Time passed, and now again the time of good fortune has arrived and the sun of auspicious destiny has dawned. The breeze of divine favor has blown upon this clime and the light of bounty has shone forth. The brilliant sun has risen from the Eastern realm and the life-giving fragrance has wafted from the land of Iran.
O divine believers! For many centuries the horizon of Persia was shrouded in darkness and the country of Iran was an open arena for the Arab, Turk and Tajik. Now the Sun of the Universe on High hath shone forth from the Orient of Glory and its Zodiacal Tower was the region and province of Persia. Therefore the Zoroastrians must commemorate that day like unto the auspicious New Year's day and occupy their time in celebrating the praises and commendations of the Forgiving Lord with the utmost joy and gladness.
Now from this you can judge what will be the future of Persia which is the birthplace of the Blessed Perfection, Baha'u'llah. Its climate is delightful, its soil is rich, its waters salubrious, its gardens charming, its meadows green and its topography varied.
I hope that He will make Iran once again the envy of the world and exalt the Persians in both worlds, that faces may become radiant and hearts may become the repository of the mysteries of the Lord of Bounties.
Glad tidings unto you that the night of deprivation hath come to an end and the bright day of the Pishdadians hath dawned anew.
There was a time when Persia was like a fragrant Bouquet perfuming all the nostrils and she was the center of the glory and honor of the world of humanity. The inhabitants of Persia from a social, industrial, political and moral standpoint were superior to the rest of mankind.
Now the conditions are changed and the same lofty standard is not kept waving aloft. Like a great giant she is prostrated on the ground while groaning with a pitiful voice.
… As Persia has experienced these sad events, the Lord in his Mercy has willed it to illumine that country and it is assured that her future condition will be more glorious than the past and that she may advance greatly along the path of science, industry and arts.
O beloved of the Lord! There exist upon this terrestrial globe mighty peoples, tribes, nations, and governments, each of which is renowned in the East and the West for its attainments, arts and sciences. Yet, by virtue of the divine favours, it is above the horizon of Iran that the Daystar of Truth hath risen and hath cast its merciful rays over every land.
Surely Iran has superiority over other regions because it was specially endowed with this bounty. But other regions received illumination from the land of Iran and acquired lights from those regions.
However, Iran will certainly shine with the light of truth, and spiritual glory is destined for Iran and the Iranians. Though political independence may not remain, praise be to God that spiritual illumination has shone forth from Iran to the East and West of the world. This glory is enduring and without end, and this bounty is eternal and limitless.
Baha'u'llah, however, has illumined that land, and will surely raise her high in the eyes of all the world. That country shall so advance and develop as to excite the envy and admiration of the East and the West.
… But alas! This Cause, though it first appeared in Persia, yet eventually it shall be seen how the peoples of Europe have wrested it from its hands! Take note of this and remember it in future.
They imagine that through imitating the people of the West and through the confused thoughts of the people of Iran, Persia will progress. Alas! Alas! Despite God having caused such a brilliant Sun to rise from the horizon of Iran, whose rays have struck both East and West, and having established such a Covenant that is the cause of Iran's eternal glory and the means of progress in all aspects - whether material, moral, or political - this Most Great Force which gives life to Iran, the Iranians are heedless of it and wish to revive Iran through these vain thoughts.
Today the success and prosperity of Iran and Iranians lies in this. And now too it is submitted that this is the brilliant star, this is the life-giving remedy. If you desire Iran's ascent to Saturn's height, you must serve at the divine court so the All-Merciful's palace gate may open. Otherwise the future will be like the past and Iranians will remain followers and imitators of mufti and judge.
Mirza Taqi Khan, the Prime Minister, although he committed such oppression against the Cause that no one had ever done before, nevertheless laid foundations in political affairs and national matters that truly possessed the utmost firmness, even though he had never entered any school in Europe.
Yes, proper education assists one who is wise, aware and confirmed, but if there is no innate knowledge and divine confirmation, what fruit and effect does mere education have?
O thou who art firm in the Covenant! News of thine arrival in Kirman reached us and thy letter was perused...
...all of Iran is in need of education. Until now no significant enlightened souls have appeared in the assemblies of Iran, and if there be any, "the rare is as the non-existent."
This great woman's movement which is stirring and vibrating all round the whole world is a sign of spirit awakening; even in Persia they stir, they awake, and many have become Bahaists and are freed from the old chains.
Today Iran, nay rather the East and the West, has attained a wondrous readiness to hear the call of the Most Merciful Lord. Ears have opened and souls are seeking to hear the mystery.
It is hoped that the Iranians too will awaken, move beyond metaphor, become aware of and comprehend the truth, and realize that the Sun of Truth has risen from the dawning-place of Iran and has shed its rays upon all horizons. Strange it is that strangers have awakened while familiars remain asleep in the bed of heedlessness.
The Iranians are still asleep while the Americans have awakened.
Say unto them: O Persians! The East and West of the world are astir, and the holy fragrances have perfumed the nostrils of the most distant lands. How is it that ye, being Persians, remain deprived and bereft? Such a crown hath God placed upon your heads, and such a brilliant star hath risen from your horizon - how is it that ye still wander in darkness? This is strange and peculiar.
Alas! still the majority of the inhabitants of Persia are in sound sleep and have not heard, neither are they informed with the Most Eminent Bestowal.
The owner of the house has come at the door but the dwellers in the house have shut the door and do not desire to let him in. They have treated the friend as though he was a stranger and the known as though he was unknown. They seem to say: "We are satisfied with this degradation. We are comfortable amidst all these distractions, dissipations, groveling dirt and uncleanliness. We do not want the owner of the house. We are not seeking his Faith.
The inhabitants of Persia are yet sleep, although God has demonstrated to them his Cause in so many ways... If this Cause had appeared in Europe and America, by this time all those regions would have become illumined and the souls would have become awakened.
What bounty God bestowed upon us Iranians! What a great sun of felicity rose and shone forth from the horizon of the East! Alas, that we did not recognize its worth, and thus have fallen into this sorrowful state and reaped the consequences of our own deeds.
He spoke of the spread of civilization from the East to the West, saying: "What a blessing God bestowed upon the Persians but they could not appreciate it! Had they not been ungrateful, the government of Persia would have ranked first in the world.
If the people of Iran had listened and known the value of these divine teachings, they would have been freed from all calamities.
Had the people of Persia been apprised of this fact, and had they appreciated the value of these divine teachings, they would have been freed from every calamity. Among the statements which Baha'u'llah made in several of His Tablets are the following: "Certain laws and principles are necessary and indispensable for Persia.
We have counseled the statesmen of Persia to the utmost of our ability, but no one listened or accepted our advice. While travelling in Europe, I met many of the Persian Princes, Ministers and prominent men of that ancient country, and told them the truth of the matter; but the majority of them did not like it.
We said and wrote what was for the good and welfare of Iran and the Iranians, but they did not listen.
The wisdom of my sojourn here in Paris, as well as the results it will yield, consist in the admonitions I have imparted to the people of the East, and the awareness I have instilled in the Persians -- and this to a degree greater than has been achieved with the inhabitants of Paris themselves!
Since we discerned no fruit from the counsel we gave our countrymen, nor could we find a hearing ear among them, we felt it necessary to turn our attention to the West.
While our compatriots busied themselves with the destruction of their families, we were engaged in securing everlasting victories - victories which, in the future, will redound to the unfading glory of the people of the East, and crown Persia and its inhabitants with the diadem of honour...
Soon will those people vaunt the blessed name of Baha'u'llah in the East and West alike, and swell with pride at the mention of Persia and its people.
Many articles were published in the newspapers that the great, final result of this war would not be bad for Persia. The various political parties in Persia, such as the party of Liberty, the Revolutionary party, the Democratic party, the Unionist party, in brief, all these and other parties brought ruin upon that country. But, God willing, ere long these exiled ones will be assisted to render a most great service to Persia and the Persians, because we are taking hold of every effective means and are connected with important personages.
O thou who art firm in the Covenant! Thy letter dated the 7th of Dhi'l-Hajjih 1339 was received. The world of humanity, particularly Iran, is in great turmoil, and changes and transformations in all conditions follow one after another.
O ye loving friends of 'Abdu'l-Baha! Your letter written with deep sorrow, grief, anguish and sadness was received, in which you stated how Persia has fallen to ruin, and how that glorious country has become an infernal place of trials and tribulations.
O compatible friend in heart and soul! The flame of longing is kindled in Iran, and the yearning heart of every true reformer is restless, for Iran is sick and in severe distress.
In any case Persia is destroyed and its entire people are engaged in civil wars and struggles. Life has lost its tranquillity and all the hearts are crying out continually.
The province of Fars, indeed the realm of Iran, is in ruins.
That country is in truth subject to endless illnesses, troubled from every direction.
Iran is in ruins, nay rather, all the regions of the world are in turmoil. As the poet sayeth: "Tumult and sedition pervade every atom of the universe."
Currently in Iran there is such chaos that it defies description. Everyone is occupied with themselves and has no opportunity to deal with others.
Convey to the revered personage that for some time the means of havoc have been engendered in Iran and great difficulties have ensued amongst the people and the government.
The peoples of Persia are busied with their own selves, and beneath the weight of strife and bloodshed, the majority are weary of life and existence. They seek a refuge; yet there is no place to flee to, no refuge that any one can seek, no haven to repair unto, and no shelter to find, except the Kingdom of Abha that hath caused the whole world to be stirred and shaken, and will, ere long bring about the prosperity of Persia and will cause her peoples to become endeared to them of this world and of the next.
O kind friend! In this upheaval of Iran, no breast remained that was not made a target for the arrows of tribulation, and no foundation remained that was not breached. Many a household was left without head or shelter, and many a gathering of hearts was scattered. What a devastating hunter was that which passed through this wilderness! The foundation of tyranny and oppression was overthrown, yet the edifice of freedom has not to this day been established....
As to the people of Iran, they were all in the utmost distress from this revolution, all scattered and homeless, for no nest was left untouched. This was due to what their own hands had wrought.
As Persia hath many nomadic tribes and they are now rebellious and insurgent and infesting the highways, the maid-servants of the Merciful cannot travel there, but the men can.
In these days, due to the counsels of Abdu'l-Baha, in all the cities of Iran the friends are reposing in the cradle of peace and security, while during this upheaval all other parties have been in the utmost distress. However, in the regions of Khurasan until now the friends remain caught in the grip of oppression and enmity.
… O what regret upon them! In human virtues other regions, even warlike Africans, have progressed, while Iran - which in ancient times was the center of humanity and civilization and was renowned throughout the horizons for its nobility - is now caught in such conditions: no modesty or shame, no justice or faithfulness, no fear of God.
In this luminous age, which is the mighty century of the Lord, when from the rays of the Sun of Truth the lights of civilization have spread to all regions, and human perfections and divine virtues are diffused like the dawning light in East and West to such a degree that savagery and bloodthirstiness among humankind have become abandoned customs--nay, in civilized countries entirely forgotten--and when religious persecutions have wholly ceased and ignorant prejudices been nullified, and among peoples and tribes, aside from international wars and political thoughts, no conflict, contention or strife remains, and all nations and peoples rest in the cradle of peace and security, and all communities are safe from the evil of oppressors and protected in an impregnable fortress--yet in Iran, when the divine call was raised and the luminous dawn broke and the Sun of Truth shone forth, souls who had been rescued from the lowest depths of ignorance attained the highest degrees of humanity and became the center of divine inspirations.
Justice and truthfulness have become so absent and concealed that no trace thereof can be found amongst the people. The horizons of the heaven of truth have been darkened by the gloom of the people of hypocrisy. Most of the decrees of the administrative circles of Iran have been and continue to be contrary to that which justice and fairness command. They have no purpose save vain ornaments. Day and night they are occupied with plunder and pillage.
In these days Iran is in turmoil, the fire of oppression is ablaze, truthfulness, sincerity and justice are concealed, while tyranny, corruption and oppression prevail. Glory be to God! Most of the people of Iran are observed to be deprived of human virtues. They have ever cursed and reviled the Sunnis while praising themselves, but divine justice did not remain hidden and shone forth like the sun from the horizon of will. This Wronged One beareth witness that no party in the world hath been more heedless, more rejected, and more foolish than the Shi'ih party. They are sheer ignorance, yet consider themselves the repository of knowledge.
In the Tablet of the world, this exalted Word was revealed: "The Most Great News proclaimeth: O people of Persia! Ye have been the dawning-places of mercy and the daysprings of compassion and love. The realms of existence have been illumined and adorned with the light of your knowledge and wisdom. How is it that ye have arisen to destroy yourselves and your friends with your own hands?"
If they had not killed the Qa'im-Maqam, Iran would not have been ruined, and if they had heeded the divine counsels, their ancient glory would not have been scattered to the winds.
Praise be to God that the Lord of the worlds hath made manifest who is the well-wisher and who the ill-wisher; the truthful became evident and the treacherous exposed. During the reign of the forgiven sovereign, the late Fath-'Ali Shah, when the Russian forces crossed the Aras River, the first traitor was Siyyid Fattah, the unlearned mujtahid, who opened the gates of Tabriz and welcomed the Russian army, creating such tumult and agitation in the city that all the people of Tabriz became fearful and terrified, and the notables fled in disarray. When peace was established, he took refuge with the Russians, and ultimately God rendered him hopeless.
From the dawn of the Cause in Shiraz, the Mushir has had the temerity to arise against the Faith. Ere long, that name will be eradicated from the realm of Fars.
Although the just king of Iran is infinitely benevolent and kind, certain ill-intentioned religious leaders, appearing as well-wishers, and wolves dressed as shepherds, do not allow the country to become organized or let His Majesty's benevolent intentions for establishing Iran's eternal glory become manifest.
Despite lack of time and utmost tribulation, a brief reply is being written, for the events in Iran are the cause of grief and infinite sorrow and regret. Blind be the eye that weeps not for thee!
In brief, the unenlightened divines who knew nothing of the political world joined hands with thoughtless leaders and the unaware Muhammad 'Ali Shah, ignited the fire of conflict and strife, laid waste to Iran, and became the manifestation of "We have put enmity and hatred between them."
What do they know of political affairs, what caution do they show, what danger do they perceive? They have reclined on the pillow of laziness and like a nightmare have fallen upon the body of the nation. Therefore whatever occurs to their weak minds they issue as religious edicts and ultimately scatter the people and leave them without head or shelter, making Iran desolate.
Consider what they have brought upon Iran. A people with such ignorant leaders and public affairs in their hands will not fare better than this.
O thou who art firm in the Covenant! Thy letter was received and the upheavals in Mashad and the surrounding areas of Khurasan became known. Surely by now some degree of peace and calm has been established and some of the dangers have passed. When the constitutional government becomes organized, some comfort and ease shall be attained.
O thou who art firm in the Covenant! At a time when the previous National Assembly was at the height of its power, and the Shah himself sent the Prime Minister to Qum to welcome the divines and return them to Tehran with utmost respect and consideration, and when they arrived in Tehran, all the people and the government received them with the highest honor and dignity, welcoming them with great pomp, and for three days and nights they held celebrations, and the National Assembly was formed - some of the followers of Yahya gained complete influence in the Assembly and engaged in corruption, setting the government and nation against each other until matters reached such a point that they were determined to depose the Shah and enthrone another. 'Abdu'l-Baha explicitly wrote to several souls, including the Spiritual Assembly of Tehran, that the government would triumph and the Assembly would be dispersed due to the ill-fortune of the Yahya'i corruptors. At that time, the Shah was at his weakest and the Assembly at its strongest, and the national committees supporting the Assembly had reached nearly one hundred. Therefore, the Yahya'is mocked 'Abdu'l-Baha's explicit statement about the Assembly's dispersion until suddenly the Assembly was scattered and dissolved, and the Yahya'is were disappointed and defeated, unable to change the monarchy to their intended person, from whom they had received large amounts of bribes and kickbacks.
In any case, after this momentous event which caused astonishment to all souls, even the enemies, the incident of Sirjan occurred where the esteemed learned one, Aqa Siyyid Yahya, was martyred with utmost innocence, and in Sangsar the divine friends suffered severe persecution and great oppression was inflicted upon them. And in Tabriz, the bloodthirsty mujtahid Haji Mirza Hasan issued a fatwa for the killing of all the friends, saying these constitutionalists are all Baha'is and according to religious law must be killed and plundered. Therefore, all the divine friends scattered; only two were caught and martyred with severe wounds. Had the friends in Azerbaijan not scattered, they would all have been martyred by the fatwa of that tyrannical bloodthirsty one, but despite their searching, they found no one.
At that time 'Abdu'l-Baha wrote, with utter explicitness and without the least veil of interpretation, to the principal centers, even to the Shah's own confidant and intimate, Aminu'd-Dawlih; and likewise He wrote in confidence to the Spiritual Assembly of Tihran, and in like manner addressed other prominent persons in clear and unmistakable terms. Those documents, bearing the signature and seal of 'Abdu'l-Baha, are still extant in Tihran. Their purport was this: that the government should arise to avenge the blood of the martyred Hadrat Aqa Siyyid Yahya, should stone the oppressors of Sangsar, should punish that bloodthirsty mujtahid, and inflict upon him his deserved chastisement, that henceforth no other mujtahid might dare commit such an outrage. Should the government arise to these matters, well and good; otherwise, God doeth whatsoever He willeth and ordaineth. Thereupon the government made excuse, saying, "Such power is not within our grasp."
A second time it was written that, if the government should duly and fittingly carry out that which was required, avenge the blood of the martyred Siyyid Yahya, inflict the necessary punishment upon the oppressors of Sangsar, and requite the denier, that hostile mujtahid, with the chastisement he deserved, it would remain preserved and secure; otherwise all confirmation would be wholly withdrawn, bada would manifest itself, and affairs would be overturned. It had even been written that they submitted to His Holiness Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq, peace be upon Him: "We had been promised that the seventh among them would be their Qa'im, and Thou art the seventh. Where then is that arising?" He replied: "I was the Promised One, and I was the Qa'im, but bada occurred." With this same plainness it was written that, if bada be admissible in the Qa'imship of Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq, then assuredly, a fortiori, bada would be admissible in the might and ascendancy of the present government. Since there it was admissible, here its admissibility would be yet greater. Explicitly was this written even to his own trusted confidant and companion, yet no heed was paid. Wherefore the effect of bada became manifest.
Similarly, it was written time and again that until the government and people blend together like milk and honey, prosperity and success would be impossible and unattainable. The letters exist, and even in several detailed letters to Tehran it was explicitly written, including to the Shah's trusted confidant, that if the government and people do not blend together and unite, affairs would become entirely disordered and neighboring powers would intervene. To prove this statement, the very letter that Haji Mirza Abdullah Saqat-furush has sent in these days from Tehran is being forwarded, that you may observe with what clarity future events were forewarned, and it may be established and proven that the Pen of the Covenant is divinely assisted - whatever proceeds from it will surely come to pass. You should make copies of this letter and circulate it throughout all of Khurasan, and also make copies of Haji Mirza Abdullah's letter and circulate it, for some weak ones have made this matter a pretext and are confusing minds, while the loved ones of God lack detailed knowledge.
At the beginning it was explicitly written that this assembly would be dissolved and these present leaders would be brought low, and the government would prevail. Thereafter certain requirements were set forth that needed to be implemented. The government paid no heed. Time and again it was written explicitly and warning was given, but it yielded no result. Thus whatever proceeded from the Pen of the Covenant has in these days become evident and manifest. We hope that constitutional government, which is the decisive text of the Most Holy Book, will be established in Iran and assurance will be obtained. Constitutional government, by the decisive text of the Most Holy Book, is legitimate government, while absolutism and autocracy are illegitimate. But we, at the beginning, showed forbearance merely to protect the friends.
The reason for this forbearance was that the leaders of the nation, at the instigation of the shameless followers of Yahya, were entirely opposed to the friends. Therefore, if we had uttered the word "constitution", the government too would have risen in enmity, the matter would have fallen upon the weak element, and the friends would have become the sacrificial compromise between the two sides. The government would have immediately announced that all constitutionalists were Baha'is and that they will carry out the text of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, just as Mirza Fadlu'llah Nuri announced in Tehran, where proclamations were posted throughout the city. Through these means, the government officials would set about killing, and the people would assist them, completely eliminating the friends. It was due to this wisdom that such forbearance was shown in the beginning, and finally, praise be to God, what was written became clear and evident. This is naught but from the bounty of my Most Glorious Lord. And upon you be greetings and praise.
However, it was observed that in Iran, regarding parliament, a strange uproar has arisen among the various groups and religions. There is no doubt that this parliament too, like the two previous parliaments, will be fruitless, for it consists of noise and clamor rather than the investigation of the welfare of Iranians.
Glory be to God! All parties have caused the ruin of Iran and have reduced this ancient nation and government to the ashes of abasement. They ruined it during the time of independence and made it the arena of the thoughtless during the constitutional period.
For example, Iran was independent for eight hundred years, yet this independence was never beneficial. Day by day it declined until Iran was laid waste, especially in recent times. Now for nearly twenty years, the flames of civil war have been burning in Iran. All provinces have been devastated, the people's property has been plundered and pillaged, the earthquake of disorder has shaken Iran, various parties have emerged, and each party having its own desires, they are constantly in conflict and strife.
I said these current details are causes of ruin - these differences, these various parties, one democratic and one moderate, day by day they are destroying Iran. Compare Iran's current condition with ten years ago. These differences have ruined Iran and are increasing day by day.
['Abdu'l-Baha] stated, "Various parties in Iran have not grown repentant yet."
… ['Abdu'l-Baha] added, "Various parties in Iran have no intention of doing good. Their purpose is to gain personal profit."
Although in recent years there has been movement and striving of political parties in Iran, all claiming to be working for Iran's welfare - to adorn the country and bring rest to the helpless subjects, to make the land prosperous and victorious the banner of Kavian - yet no party succeeded. The prosperous realm became buried, Iran was laid waste, and it became proven and established that Iran will not attain to the summit of eternal glory except through the breath of the All-Merciful.
Observe how in the revolution of Iran, nay rather the turmoil of the entire world, what scenes appeared on this stage and finally all were rolled up with neither fruit nor trace, neither result nor news except ruin and dispersion and regret. Neither victor nor vanquished - both were in loss, for the blood of thirty million souls was spilled in vain and humanity was endangered and cities and villages were overturned without result or fruit.
This conflict will lead to foreign powers' intervention in Iran. At that time both sides will regret it, but regret and remorse will then benefit neither the people nor the government.
The Persians destroyed their home with their own hands in the hope of building another one; but now they are left in the desert without a home or shelter.
We wrote and exhorted them, pointing out that the union of government and the people is like combining milk and honey; otherwise, the neighboring governments will encroach upon the country.
At the outset of that revolution in Persia known as the Constitutional Revolution, I wrote again and again that until such time as that government and its people become commingled, even as milk and honey, their success and prosperity will remain entirely unattainable. Persia shall fall into ruin, and the governments of its neighbouring realms will ultimately meddle in its affairs...
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.
O Amin of 'Abdu'l-Baha! It is clear and evident that you have never entertained any thoughts of self and have always, with pure intent, been engaged in service to the Cause of God. And praise be to God, you are assisted and confirmed. You wrote about conditions in Iran - that there is depression and inflation. Until Iran becomes illumined with the lights of faith, that is, until the horizons of Iran are brightened by the lights of the Blessed Beauty's teachings, comfort, tranquility, prosperity, success and progress in all degrees will not be achieved. Otherwise, different factions are constantly in conflict and strife, causing the ruin of Iran.
Iran is in need of the confirmations of the invisible realm. … For in this day, Persia can be rescued only through the confirmations of the unseen realm. Human endeavors are even as a lamp, but it is the light of the sun that illumines this endless world.
Persians have attempted every possible experiment. They have experimented with liberty and with constitutional law, with absolute power and with independence, with alliance with, or antagonism towards, neighboring governments, with republicanism and with anarchy. None of these has led to success and advancement. To the contrary, the situation has deteriorated day by day, and Persia has been further destroyed.
He stated: "Affairs have fallen into the hands of children, affairs have fallen into the hands of the base and incompetent. No authority remains for the sovereign. It will take long before Iran becomes Iran. Until it comes under the divine breaths of God, it is impossible. Whatever reforms are made are temporary."
...the discussion became general about the conditions of Persia and Turkey; the unfortunate reverses that these two Islamic nations have had during the last two generations, owing to the lack of public spirited servants and misadministration of the government affairs.
In the course of conversation about the confusion of the administration of Persian government the Master told him the following story:
There was a Mirza Fadl'u'llah who were looking for a government appointment.
Question: In the copies of the talk given by Abdul-Baha to the Society of Friends in London, there seems to be a discrepancy in the time in the opening line. In some it reads, "About six thousand years ago," in others "six hundred years," and in others "sixty years." If the Society referred to signifies the Bahai Movement, would not sixty years be the correct number?
Answer: This talk opens with the words, "About six hundred years ago." This Society was founded in the city of Hamadan six hundred years ago and has nothing to do with this movement. It is almost disbanded, but under different names and forms one may come across them in Persia.
The upheaval in Iran will not subside; it will continue one after another until it becomes clear and evident that nothing except the teachings and counsels of the Blessed Beauty can bring comfort and tranquility.
However, Iran is desolate and much hardship must be endured so that, God willing, improvement may appear in Iran's condition.
… Though Iran's political affairs are in disarray, its spiritual affairs are unified and growing stronger.
You are right - the events in Iran are as a file upon the spirit and a burning fire. Yet there is hope in the aid and favor of the Glorious Lord, and the end shall be praiseworthy.
Although sorrows are filing away at heart and soul, since Iran has been ruined by the thoughtlessness of the traditional clergy, yet there is hope in the favors of the All-Merciful Lord that this wound will find healing and this pain will find remedy.
Regarding Iran about which you had inquired, know that this revolution and turmoil will eventually end and in the future time to come Iran will be like a brilliant, shining star. Do not become discouraged by these present difficulties. Pray that God may assist the government and people of Iran and grant them deliverance and salvation from this revolution and turmoil.
Iran is now in ruins, and in the Most Holy Book this news is clear and evident. This disorder will continue for a time, but will eventually give way to tranquility and dignity, as is written in the Text.
The case of Iran is like a verdant and flourishing field that has been seized by cold, with abundant snow fallen upon it. Soon the heat of the sun will melt and disperse the snows, then with utmost beauty that cultivation and garden will swiftly grow and progress. In any case, Iran will soon advance, though internal politics... This situation with their politics that you see continues for some time, until we see what God's politics will do with them.
Although they squandered Iran's independence, Iran is progressing day by day. One must not lose hope, for everyone's turn lasts but five days. Nothing remains the same way forever. In any case, Iran's future is very bright.
Persia has unlimited possibilities for the development of its material resources, but there must needs be civilizing influences and untiring efforts. There means will be made available in the not distant future. Persia will become the Paradise of the world, because it is the birthplace of the Manifestation of God.
You tell them that we declare unto you that the glories of Persia will become in the future thousandfold. If you don't believe in our declaration make a note of it in a book that a day is soon coming when Persia shall reach the highest zenith of glory, it will be built and become very prosperous. All the ancient cities of Persia will be built up and the fame of Persia and the Persians shall be spread over all the regions of the world and the greatness of the Persian civilization will cover the East and the West.
Soon you will observe that the radiance of the Persians' light will illuminate East and West like the shining moon. The fame of Persia will become world-embracing, and the renown of that captive group will encompass East and West.
In truth, in this wondrous Dispensation the Persian friends have made the Iranian people proud. They recognized the All-Knowing God and discovered the Manifestations of the favors of the All-Merciful Lord. They learned the most excellent religion, closed their eyes to all else but Truth, and like candles illumined the gathering of the world.
From the day when the Most Exalted Pen moved regarding the Persians and the blessed will was directed toward their glory and honor, the Persians became more honored with each day and made greater progress.
Praise be to unto God that that country [Persia] hath been blessed by His mercy and is fragrant with the breeze of His holiness. Praise be unto Him that the divine mysteries are being spread by the most wonderful means.
O two pure souls!
The Almighty God found Iran in darkness and deemed it worthy of endless favors. Therefore, the Sun of the celestial realm cast its rays and illumined the horizons of that region. The oppressed Persians, who for a thousand years had crept into the corner of destitution, experienced a thousand sudden calamities, and reached the utmost degree of weakness - when the celestial Star illumined the horizon of Iran, they found spiritual revival and attained enthusiasm and attraction of heart and soul.
The dead name hath become alive and the withered body hath become fresh and verdant. The Iranian form, after old age, hath taken on youth and after weakness hath found heavenly bounty.
The Persians were caught for thirteen hundred years in the circle of existence on the arc of descent until they reached the utmost degree of fall and descent. Now, praise be to God, through heavenly grace and divine bestowal they are ascending from their fall and traversing the arc of ascent under the shadow of the favors of the Blessed Beauty. Day by day they rise higher and moment by moment they become more joyful.
O Persian soul! The radiance of the Persians had set for a time in the west of forgetfulness, but now it hath risen again from the east of the Creator's grace with a new splendor and boundless grandeur, manifesting such might and majesty that it hath illumined the horizons and set all creation in motion. Every tongue hath been moved to praise, and all hearts have been stirred to excitement.
The brilliant star of the Persians' hopes had set and vanished in the West for a thousand years. Praise be to God, it has risen from the East of heavenly glory with utmost brilliance and radiance. A new cycle has come, fresh life has been attained. That spiritual spring which for a thousand years until now had passed through seasons of summer, autumn and winter, has come again with utmost freshness and grace with the hosts of divine bounty...
Creation has pitched its tent in the plains and wilderness of Iran, and the ultimate hopes and desires of the Persians have been realized.
O Lord! The Persians are ancient servants and from the ancient peoples of Iran. For a thousand years they were captive in chains and bonds and were abased and humbled in the hands of oppressors. Now the brilliant orb has risen and shone forth intensely. The Beloved of the horizons has become the beauty of the gathering and has made mountain and plain into rose garden and flower bed.
For thought and discussion