permission for visit; pilgrimage
Editorial introduction
Someone writes to ask whether they may come, and the answer that returns is at once a yes, a not yet, and a confession that the longing runs both ways. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá tells one friend that service to the Sacred Threshold is itself pilgrimage; Bahá’u’lláh tells another that a journey cut short by danger has been accepted as if completed. Illness, bad roads, summer heat, a family that needs its breadwinner, debts to be settled, a quarrel to be mended before setting out: these ordinary facts are treated as part of the readiness a sacred encounter asks for, much as the Qur’án joins the pilgrimage to questions of health, means and conduct [2]. The psalmist’s cry for the courts of God, where even the sparrow finds a home [1], sounds through every letter of yearning. From here the way leads toward the holy places themselves, toward the law that governs pilgrimage, toward the prayers offered for those who travel, and toward the wisdom that knows when to wait and when to go, carrying the visit home in a life.
You had sought permission to come. In truth, you are worthy to don the pilgrim's garb for the sanctuary of the Desired One. However, wisdom must still be observed, and you must engage in service in that region, for service to the Sacred Threshold - meaning the diffusion of divine fragrances - is itself pilgrimage, and devotion makes the heart and soul circumambulate the gathering-place of the Concourse on High.
O thou who art wandering through mountain and desert! Thou didst don the pilgrim's garb for the Ka'bah of thy heart's desire, shattered the idols of self and passion, freed thyself from the bonds of comfort and ease, and set out for the dwelling-place of the Kind Friend. A barrier arose and events prevented thee, and thou wert commanded to return.
Be not disappointed, be not sorrowful, be joyous, for abundant reward is assured and the bounty bestowed upon pilgrims is ordained and destined.
My longing to see thee is even more ardent than thine. God willing, in due course permission will be granted - rest assured thereof.
Regarding presence at the Threshold of the Forgiving Lord, you are permitted but with the same known conditions and promised covenant.
When a dear soul dons the pilgrim's garb for the Ka'bah of the Divine Purpose and determines to visit the Beloved's dwelling, surely a gift is fitting and an offering necessary so that the arrival and visitation may be blessed and fortunate.
As to your intention to visit the House - this is acceptable and beloved in the sight of this Wronged One, provided it be undertaken in a spirit of joy and radiance and be not contrary to wisdom.
Thou hadst asked permission to attain the presence. If it is possible with the utmost joy and fragrance, and if comfort of heart and soul is ready in presence and return, thou art permitted. Otherwise, wait until the means are provided.
Praise be to God, thou art mentioned in the presence of this Wronged One. We beseech God to aid thee to perform goodly deeds and to manifest praiseworthy conduct, and to that which its fragrance shall never cease to endure throughout the kingdom of His glorious and wondrous Cause. God willing, thou shalt be assisted and with these hosts thou shalt conquer the cities of hearts. Whenever wisdom requireth, We shall summon thee; otherwise, We beseech God to bestow upon thee the reward of pilgrimage.
And concerning what thou didst write regarding pilgrimage to the House of God and seeking permission - it is clear that benevolent deeds have ever been beloved in the sight of God.
O ye two dear maid-servants of God! Your longing to visit the Sacred Soil is expressed and evident and your presence will be the source of pleasure to me.
But the best of meetings is the spiritual meeting; for in these days visits to these regions are accomplished with difficulty.
Thou hast asked permission to come to our presence: These days are very difficult. God willing, it will be brought about in the future. I pray to God that thou mayest enter into such a state that presence and absence may become equal in thine understanding.
O Thou who art attracted by the Breath of the Holy Spirit! When thou wert leaving to return to America and this made you sad and unhappy and you wept, I promised I would summon you again to My Presence. Now I fulfil that promise. If there is no hindrance and you can travel in perfect joy and fragrance, you have permission to be present.
O ye who are considering the Kingdom of your august Savior!
I know the ardor which enflames you both with the desire to present yourselves in the Sacred Place and I desire, also, to see you both.
Know thou with certainty that the longing of 'Abdu'l-Baha is greater than thine. I continually beseech from the threshold of the Ancient and Ever-Living Lord with fervent supplication that He may ordain, in a time near at hand, the beholding of that radiant countenance, and that wisdom may accord with permission for attaining the presence.
But for now, show some patience, for we have forbidden all from attaining Our presence, and the people of weakness are, through their corruption, preventing the bounty of attaining the presence.
Meeting with the friends and visiting the beloved ones is 'Abdu'l-Baha's greatest joy, but these days do not permit it. When the appointed time has passed, permission for pilgrimage will be sent.
If you feel that separation may destroy you, you are permitted to come for a visit for some days.
Therefore, you are given permission to present yourself at the Divine Threshold, and for one day, two days, three days - nay, for one month - seek refuge at this Threshold and find rest in the vicinity of the mercy of the Lord.
Therefore, with the blessing of these words of yours, you are permitted to don the pilgrim's garb of the Ka'bih of the divine purpose and make one journey here.
Therefore, permission is granted for you to attain the presence of the Most Glorious Threshold and the circling-place of the Supreme Concourse, may my spirit be a sacrifice for His loved ones.
In any case, you have permission to attain the presence, but along the way you must speak of servitude to this servant and perfume the nostrils of all handmaidens with this fragrant breeze, so that the glance of favor may be complete toward you and you may witness the confirmations of the Kingdom from all directions.
Don your pilgrim garb for the Ka'bah of the intended goal and turn your face to the circumambulation point of the Supreme Concourse, for you have permission.
O you who thirst for the pure waters of pilgrimage to the sacred threshold, hasten to the spring that is the circling-place of the Supreme Concourse. You are permitted and accepted.
And since there hath been and still is the utmost love and kindness towards you, therefore are you being informed: O thou who thirsteth for the living waters of the sea of bounty, hasten to the shore of the Most Great Ocean! O thou who longest to inhale the holy fragrances, turn thyself toward the blessed sanctuary!
And the Glory be upon thee and upon all who attain His presence.
Therefore, be patient for a while until the obstacle is removed and difficulty becomes ease. God willing, you will attain to pilgrimage and witness kindness and be freed from formality.
Whenever your hearts become constricted there, you are welcome to come visit the Holy Shrine at any time you wish - you will be most welcome, and we will be delighted in spirit and rejoice in heart at seeing you.
O illumined leaf! Be confident that I will undertake to arrange your attainment of the presence at the Sacred Threshold. I hope that, through the assistance of the All-Powerful Lord, you may attain to kissing the Sacred Threshold in complete attraction and ecstasy, joy and gladness, sincerity and sanctity.
God willing, whenever I return to the Holy Land, thou shalt have permission to attain My presence.
It is my hope that some day you may come to the Holy Spot and meeting be realized.
As to permission for the aforementioned one and two others, there hath never been any doubt that this Revelation hath loved and continues to love the presence of the friends, and seeketh for them the bounty of nearness and meeting, and the feast of revelation and witnessing. However, in this land, following the clamor raised by the previous governor, some discussion hath arisen, as hath been revealed in the Tablets from the Supreme Pen. We have therefore withheld permission for the friends, except for those souls who had previously been blessed with the effulgences of the lights of the Luminary of permission. Now, should wisdom require it, they may proceed; otherwise, God shall record for them the reward of attaining His presence in His decisive and perspicuous Book.
For this reason we have instructed all souls who have sought permission to come to remain where they are, except for Samandar, the divine kindled fire - and this permission was given according to an all-encompassing wisdom involving mighty causes.
In any case, God willing, when the Holy Land becomes calm this bounty will become possible for you.
This servant, in accordance with your wish, on one of the nights of the blessed month of Ramadan, made mention of it before the Throne of the All-Merciful, and this answer was revealed from the Dayspring of God's Command: "O servant present! Write to him who hath turned towards God - upon him be My Glory - that these regions are in turmoil. The fire which the deniers have kindled with their own hands and inflamed by their own deeds hath not yet been extinguished. The world is afflicted with the consequences of its actions, and none hath known or knoweth the cause and reason thereof. Under such circumstances, his movement and journey would not accord with the requirements of wisdom.
As for what you desired regarding [attaining] the presence, the servant has presented it. Thus did the tongue of the Beloved speak: "O My servant! Thou knowest My loving-kindness, My love and My tenderness for him, but wisdom hath prevented Me from granting this request in these days, and We have postponed it to another day.
Regarding his turning towards this direction, they stated that although this land appears outwardly tranquil, it is inwardly turbulent. The people of this region have been and continue to be utterly perfidious. In the holy Books of the past, the inhabitants of these lands were likened unto the offspring of vipers. This hath been and remaineth the reason for withholding permission; otherwise, this Wronged One hath ever loved not to deprive His loved ones of His presence.
Since harm in coming and going has befallen the very root of the Tree of the Cause, We have therefore forbidden the friends from attaining the presence - otherwise We would have commanded all to attend, for We have come especially for this grace - to give all to drink from the Kawthar of life, the mention of the All-Merciful.
Forbid the loved ones of God from turning toward this direction. Say: O friends, harm befalleth the root of the Tree through your coming and going. Beware lest ye transgress the bounds set forth in the Tablets.
Consider, for instance, that despite the explicit prohibition revealed in numerous Tablets, every day a group arrives and a group departs, and some of these souls upon returning to every city and land speak contrary to what God has commanded them.
It is never permissible for anyone to come without permission, although many souls have turned towards the Most Holy Court this year without permission. We beseech God to assist them in what He loves and is pleased with.
Jinab-i-Mashhadi Isma'il, upon him be the Glory of God, arrived. Praise be to God, he was enkindled with the fire of love and spoke in remembrance of the Peerless Friend. The grace of God, exalted be His glory, took hold of him, for his pilgrimage and turning was accepted, even though he set out on the path without permission. However, henceforth you must observe the command, meaning prevent souls from disobedience. None should come without permission. The prohibition has been clearly revealed in the divine Tablets. If anyone comes without permission, their harm will be many times greater than their reward.
Furthermore, it was written that some souls who have newly attained to the stream of recognition desire to turn towards the Most Great Scene. This was submitted to the Most Holy Court. He said: "Most certainly prevent them, for without permission it has not been and will not be permitted."
We beseech God to adorn all with the ornament of permission and then to honor them with His presence, for the fruits of this are countless and will continue to be. And likewise He said: O servant of God! Those souls who are turned toward and gazing upon the Truth and moved by His will must obtain permission from their location. This is true permission.
We have accepted thy deed in the path of God.
Although those souls who turned toward the Most Holy Court without permission attained the presence, yet the Supreme Pen hath paused in their mention. We have pardoned them as a bounty from Us.
And hereafter whosoever shall turn without permission, verily he is of the heedless.
He must seek permission from his native land. Permission has not been and is not granted for Alexandretta, Beirut, Jaffa, Haifa and places near and far, except for their inhabitants. However, We have pardoned him and We beseech God to assist him to visit His House and draw him nigh unto Him and enable him to do that which He loves and is pleased with.
Buyuk Aqa Ahmadzadih has permission to circumambulate the gathering place of the Supreme Concourse.
… Regarding permission for general visitation that you had written about - each soul should, as before, come with permission and, having donned the pilgrim's garb of the Ka'bah of the intended goal, attain the blessing of visiting the Holy Threshold.
As for the arrangements for the visit, with wisdom it depends upon drawing lots and the consent of both parties, for if all were to set out at once it would cause disputes.
As regards Muhammad Mustafa, upon him be the glory of God - in these days word has come that his presence would not accord with wisdom. This is one reason, and another reason is that if We were to summon him We would need to summon all the companions of that land, and in these days this would not accord with wisdom. God willing, We shall summon him later.
As for the travelers, they have not been and are not commanded to stay in that land, for if people gather there from outside it will become the cause and reason for certain events.
And regarding what you wrote about turning towards this land with permission, He said you have already attained this blessing three times and it was accepted before God. Further journeys to this land are not permitted, for it is in turmoil, and the hidden turmoil which has been revealed in most tablets remains concealed.
Say: None is permitted to turn toward the prison quarter. Thus hath the Tongue of Revelation decreed and the Pen of God, the Beloved of the worlds, recorded.
It is not permissible for anyone to journey to this land at present. We shall inform thee when it becomes permissible.
Regarding thy desire to attain the presence and meeting, approach from the direction of the Great City is not permitted, but if approached from another direction there is and hath been no objection.
O thou who art firm in the Covenant! The letter of Bashir brought the glad tidings of your intention to make pilgrimage. … At that time, if thou canst obtain permission from the postal administration, then undertake the pilgrimage.
O My sister, the kindred of My spirit!
I have perused all the communications that were sent. Regarding a trip to Alexandria, Cairo, Port Said and also from there to Beirut, do thou consider what is best for thee. Whatever leads to an improvement in thy health, the same should be carried out. If the weather proves disagreeable, thou mayest go to Beirut and stay in the home of Jinab-i-Muhammad Muafa, upon him be Baha'u'llahu'l-Abha. Also, shouldst thou desire to go to Jibal from there, that, too, is permissible. Or shouldst thou wish, we could obtain a place specially for thee in Haifa.
In any case, send her here now for pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine and for a change of climate, and after being honored by pilgrimage and obtaining rest and health, she can proceed to Iran.
However, news of the troubles and difficulties of Jenab-i-'Andalib caused sadness. But if he were to travel for a while, it would be better than staying put. Surely peace of mind will result. And whichever direction he desires and prefers to travel would be proper. Certainly Jenab-i-Mirza Muhammad Baqir Khan, Jenab-i-Kaykhusraw Parsi and Jenab-i-Ja'far-Quli Khan will make an effort. And you should reach out to his family members and provide him sixty tumans from the Huquq for his travel expenses.
His honor Aqa Husayn-'Ali, nephew of Safi-'Ali Shah, has permission to attain the presence whenever travel arrangements are ready - not that that property should be sold.
The humble one submits that if it is possible for you to turn with joy and fragrance to the Most Holy Court during Ridvan, this would be most beloved, provided it causes no disruption to the shop's affairs and operations, nor any disturbance to the minds of the owners of goods. In any case, whenever leisure permits, do turn [to the Court].
Regarding moving from San Francisco to New York, it is very suitable. Spend some time there in the utmost joy and fragrance with the friends, occupy yourself with the remembrance of God, and attend to organizing your affairs so that after the war, if it becomes possible to travel in complete comfort and no disruption occurs in Mr. Ralston's affairs, but rather everything remains in perfect order after departure, you have permission to come. Otherwise, no.
According to the promise thou didst make to thy respected wife, thou art hoping to visit the threshold of the All-Forgiving Lord. However, complete thy work in such a way that there will be no need for supervision. Then, according to thy promise, put on the pilgrim's garb of the peerless sanctuary and set out for the threshold of the Desired One with the utmost joy, gladness, attraction, exultation, and abundant humility and submissiveness.
The matter of your company's losses caused grief and sorrow, but do not be sorrowful, perhaps God will bring about something after this. And after you have established your affairs and renewed the means of livelihood, you have permission to come.
You had requested permission by telegraph for a visit, but considering that Iran has not yet attained tranquility and peace, and the friends in Iraq are in need of you, and furthermore that it is summer and the weather in these parts is somewhat intense, therefore it would be better if you postpone this journey to autumn so that you would be here at the beginning of winter when the fields and plains are verdant and the mountains and wilderness are in utmost freshness and pleasantness - that time would be better.
Regarding visiting at this time, since the summer air in these parts changes due to severe humidity and various illnesses overcome strangers, postpone the pilgrimage to the cool days of winter.
You had sought permission to come into the presence, but wisdom does not permit it at this time as these regions are very hot in these days.
Permission is granted. However, since there will be crowds during the Ridvan Festival, it may perhaps cause you some hardship. If you can bear the hardship, very well; otherwise, come after Ridvan.
Thou hast written regarding thy coming to the Holy Land; do not hasten, for then thou mayest travel with comfort.
O true friend! As the route is disturbed and ease of travel is not possible, therefore be patient and postpone your intention of pilgrimage to another time.
You had requested permission to visit the Sacred Spot. At present the journey is very difficult and the friends who have come have endured much hardship. Whenever the path becomes smooth and travel can be undertaken with ease and comfort, you will have permission to come.
Regarding pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine - if it can be accomplished with complete security, comfort, and joy during the pilgrimage season, it would be most acceptable. But if it would cause hardship and attacks from enemies, be patient.
The honored Khan has permission to circumambulate the Point of Adoration of the Supreme Concourse, and when the means are available, that journey can be undertaken with joy and fragrance in a way that makes covering the distance easy, for "whoso is able to do so."
If the means become available for you to come and return, so that with the utmost joy, delight and complete comfort you may attain the honor of visiting the Threshold, lay your head at the sacred dust, and visit the court of the Friend - you have permission.
In these days we are occupied in the Holy Shrine with remembrance and mention of and prayers for them, and if any one of them is able to travel with perfect ease and joy and delight, they have permission to visit the blessed resting place.
Concerning your presence in the Holy Land: these days it is impossible. Whenever the way is open and the means are available; in order to travel with ease and comfort, you have permission to come.
Whenever the ways will be opened and the means will be fully provided by which thou mayest travel in perfect comfort and ease then thou hast permission to present thyself.
Those souls who have requested permission to circumambulate the gathering-place of the Supreme Concourse are permitted, provided they are able to come and return in comfort.
The honored handmaiden of God, the wife of Aqa Siyyid Aqa the physician, along with the sister of the honored martyr, are permitted to come if arrangements can be made for them to travel in complete comfort and joy.
If there is no obstacle and the means of travel are prepared, thou art permitted to make a trip to the Holy Land, if thou wishest. All the members of the family are very eager to meet you.
Therefore, if there is no obstacle or hindrance, and it is easily possible, put on the garment of presence and attain the honor of visiting the Sacred Threshold and become the companion of Abdul-Baha, and if possible make a journey to America as well.
Jinab-i-Aqa Siyyid Ali, the nephew of His Holiness the one ascended unto God from Manshad, has permission to come, on condition that he comes and attains the honor of visiting the Holy Threshold, returns to Shiraz, and becomes engaged in managing affairs and serving Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Muhammad-Baqir Khan.
At the appropriate time, God willing, we will grant you permission for pilgrimage. [At present] wisdom requires this.
O servant of God! Convey my utmost longing to Jenab Aqa Siyyid Mahmud and say that although the yearning for attainment unto His presence blazes in the heart, yet now is not the time for his presence, as there are obstacles and impediments. Let it be postponed to another time.
Thy presence here would be contrary to caution in these days. … Be assured that, as soon as circumstances permit, thou shalt be summoned here without a moment's delay, for I am most eager to meet thee.
This year, in view of the sorrow that hath occurred, if His honor 'Ali-Shir should delay and make his pilgrimage to the Ultimate Goal and Most Exalted Summit in another year, it would be more fitting and appropriate.
O thou who art attracted to the Fragrances of God!
Verily, thy coming, at this time, unto this shining, blessed Holy Land is not consistent with wisdom, but when the (proper) time cometh, we shall give thee permission to come to this Spot of Light.
Regarding presence at this blessed and luminous spot, thou hadst written - thou and thy respected wife are permitted to come next summer, but for others the time is not yet appropriate; wisdom does not allow it. Their presence will be more suitable at another time.
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
The faithful friend 'Azizu'llah Khan came and went to the Holy Shrine, becoming an intimate confidant of these longing ones, and found spiritual delight in kissing the Sacred Threshold, inhaling the fragrance of the All-Merciful from the right hand of the Beloved.
You had requested permission for the presence of Jinab-i-Ghulam-Rida and Jinab-i-Aqa Husayn and their noble children. Now is not a suitable time. God willing, permission will be given in the coming year.
God willing, in the coming year His Honor 'Ali-Rida Khan will be enabled to visit the Holy Threshold and meet with 'Abdu'l-Baha.
At the appointed time, which accords with consummate wisdom, permission for attaining the presence shall also be granted, God willing.
Thou hadst requested permission to visit the holy tomb; at present there are some obstacles. For now, occupy thyself with diffusing the divine fragrances until the appointed time comes.
You had sought permission to attain His presence. For now, show patience and forbearance. In the future, God willing, permission will be granted.
As these regions are in turmoil these days, therefore travel to this direction is not advisable. Convey greetings on my behalf and say: "Patience is the key to relief." God willing, after tranquility and assurance return to these parts, you shall attain.
O Mihdi, upon thee be My Glory! Thou didst request permission to attain Our presence. In these days divine wisdom doth not permit such permission to be granted. Be patient, for thy Lord is the All-Patient, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
And regarding some friends who were not outwardly granted permission for attaining the presence - this was due to divine wisdom.
Now since affairs in this land are in turmoil, therefore the journey of that honored one is difficult. God willing, through divine grace and favor, permission will hereafter be granted at the appropriate time according to what is desired.
I will certainly grant permission to you and your gracious son to circumambulate the Holy Shrine, but be somewhat patient, for in all things there is consummate wisdom.
I long to see them all, but the time is not favorable. Whenever an opportunity arises and there is no difficulty, permission will be granted.
As for thy father and mother, they are highly respected by Abdul-Baha but their presence in the Holy Land is not presently in accordance with wisdom. Let them wait.
Concerning thy presence in the Land of Desire, for the present postpone (this matter) for some later time until the arrival of summer and the passing of frosty winter. At that time it will be acted upon according to the circumstances.
As to what thou hast written concerning thy coming (to Acca): For the present this is not consistent with wisdom. When the opportunity cometh, at an appointed time, we will summon thee to come; and this is a glad-tidings unto thee and the greatest joy and happiness.
A number of you have sought permission to don the pilgrim's garb for the Ka'bah of the Divine Purpose and attain the honor of presence at the Sacred Threshold. At present travel is very difficult. Be patient. Whenever travel becomes easily possible, you will be granted permission. However, it must be in such a way that utmost joy and delight are achieved in this journey.
If there is some delay in granting permission for some to attend at this blessed spot, this is due to the wisdom set forth in the Book, otherwise there would be no shortcoming.
You had requested permission to turn towards the Land of Purpose [Holy Land]. At present wisdom does not permit it. Be patient. I hope the time will come and this desire will be fulfilled.
Thou hast asked for permission to come to our presence with his honor ... I am also longing greatly after the meeting of the friends. If there was no obstacle, it would be very acceptable, but in these days, thy presence (in this land) is not according to wisdom.
Regarding thy visit to this region, it is not permissible at this time. But when the time comes, permission will be granted thee to present thyself at this Source of Light and Dawning-Point of the love of thy Lord, the Forgiver.
O thou who art advancing toward the Threshold of Mercifulness!
Verily, I have read the expressions of thy longing for the visit and thy craving to come to this Brilliant Spot. But the violators of the Covenant of God have stirred up the dust of deception, and besides this, there are numerous obstacles and it is impossible for thee to come in these times. But verily, I pray my Lord to make this success feasible unto thee in a future time.
Thou hadst requested permission to attain the Holy Threshold. In these days, the tests and trials in the Desired Land are severe, therefore I have postponed thy presence to another time.
Therefore it was necessary that permission for presence be given, but what can be done - "necessities permit exceptions" is a famous saying. In truth it weighs heavily upon this servant not to give permission and consent, for he knows the longing of the friends and senses the flame of their love's fire.
Thou hast asked for permission to present thyself with thy dear husband in this Blessed Spot. In these days it in not according to wisdom. Postpone this matter until some other time.
Regarding thy presence, at this time, in this Brilliant Spot--it is not in accord with the wisdom revealed in the Book.
O you who are firm in the Covenant! Although I have the utmost longing to see you and seek this joy with all my soul, the wisdom of the Cause requires that you exercise some patience and stillness. God willing, you will be granted permission at the appointed time.
You had sought permission to attain the presence at the Sacred Threshold, the point of circumambulation of the Concourse on High. In these days, as there is much mischief from the people of lassitude, therefore it is not in accordance with wisdom. We pray that the reward of pilgrimage be bestowed upon you and we shall summon you at an appropriate time.
Some of the friends intended to visit the Holy Land, but hindrances prevented them and they have deferred their coming.
Regarding your request for permission to attain His presence, be patient for now. God willing, it will be granted at the appropriate time. At present, wisdom requires this.
Thou art permitted to come, but next year.
. . . Thy letter hath arrived. Praised be God, under the sheltering protection of the Blessed Beauty, I have safely returned from the West but will again proceed to America in the near future. After I return, the means may be in place for thee to attain thy highest desire and with Zíbandih Khanum visit the Holy Threshold....
In this prohibition [from visiting Haifa] there is a providence which will become manifest before long. But know ye with the utmost certainty that this disappointment is regarded in the Threshold of the Manifest Light as greater than a visit to that magnificent station. For the substance of the grief is the essence of the visit, and the burning of the fire of zeal is the sweet water of the union. This distance is the nearness itself, this separation the reality of union.
For now, postpone it until such time as Shah Khalil resolves to visit the Promised Land - you too are then permitted.
O servant of God! You are longing to meet and are impatient and restless, but what can be done when in these regions wisdom prevents your presence and we are bound by that. Therefore, defer your coming to another time. Perhaps God will bring about something after this.
You had hoped for a visit - this intention and resolve is most praiseworthy. However, if there were no obstacles, the Holy Land is in turmoil these days. God willing, you will be granted permission at the appointed time.
God willing, I shall later grant you permission to attain My presence, and you shall enter the blessed shrine and attain to the circumambulating-point of the Concourse on High.
As to the mention made of Darvish Husayn who desired to come and sought permission - in these days these regions are somewhat disturbed, therefore we beseech God to grant him the reward of pilgrimage.
As for your request for permission regarding the mother of Inayatu'llah, He said that this year, due to certain considerations, it is not advisable.
Permission for presence dependeth upon the exigencies of wisdom. If circumstances warrant, they may present themselves; otherwise, we beseech God, exalted be He, to record for thee the reward of attaining His presence and of appearing before the Dawning-Place of His verses and the Rising-Point of His evidences.
Convey most glorious greetings to his honor Mirza Sadiq Khan. … Now they must be occupied with service and defer pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine to another time.
As for the matter of severing ties from that land and being present at the luminous Spot, it is not fitting at this time, for you must be occupied with serving the Cause of God in those regions.
You had sought permission to attain the presence - now spend some time serving in those regions and be a guest of the mindful ones, a companion of those who sit together, and an associate of those who are attracted, until in the future, God willing, permission will be granted according to wisdom.
Regarding your presence in the Holy Land, it is better now that you remain occupied with teaching in those regions. I will specifically summon you, and on your behalf I will perfume my face and hair with the dust of the Holy Threshold, and by proxy will make the pilgrimage.
You had asked permission to attain the presence. For now engage in teaching. After achieving success and victories, God willing, the means will be provided and you will be honored to attain the Sacred Threshold.
Regarding what you wrote about coming to the Holy Threshold - in these days your presence is needed in those regions, and in the Holy Land turmoil is successive from all directions. Therefore we will summon you at the appropriate time.
Whenever it is suitable I will give thee permission and consent to come to these parts, but now thou must stay in America and become the cause of the guidance (of the people.)
And you yourself had requested permission to attain the presence. At present, the wisdom of the Cause of God requires that you not leave those regions empty, for the spring of life is gushing forth and the fire of the love of God is ablaze.
O Thou who art firm in the covenant! Endeavor thou in the service of the Kingdom and, God willing, in a seasonable time, permission will be given to thee to come to the East.
However, do not hasten pilgrimage to the Holy Land, for his presence in those regions during these days is necessary and obligatory, and is the cause of the shining forth of lights.
You had asked permission to come into my presence. I too am extremely eager, but your presence there is very necessary at present.
God willing, whenever circumstances arise that permit your absence from there, you will be immediately informed so that you may don the pilgrim's garb to the Friend's lane and attain the greatest honor.
Jinab-i-Yusuf is permitted to come into the presence, and if your continued presence there is not absolutely necessary and obligatory at present, you are also permitted to come.
Jinab-i-Aqa Siyyid Asadu'llah has requested permission for you to travel to the western lands to spread the divine fragrances and arise to exalt the Word of God.
God willing, that honored one shall strive with the utmost endeavor in these matters, and if at any time circumstances should require it - that is, if it would in no way conflict with wisdom - he may turn toward the Most Holy Court.
O my dear son! If you wish to travel to America, you have permission. I hope that you will become the cause of exalting the Word of God and spreading the breaths of the Holy Spirit.
Whenever thou desirest, thou art permitted to proceed from here to India.
You and friends have permission to come to New York.
His honor, Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, has been permitted to leave for America, that there, God willing, he may engage in service.
The conditions for 'Abdu'l-Baha's coming to those regions have been written through you to the friends and divine handmaidens. I hope that these conditions will be fulfilled, so that perhaps someday a journey may be made to those regions. However, if these conditions are not met, it will prevent travel to those regions.
Thy letter was received and read. Thou hast invited me to America, saying: "In that region and in that country there are many fragrant and multi-colored flowers; likewise there are thorns and thistles; but Abdul-Baha should not look upon the thistles of the desert. He must hasten to that country for the sake of the flowers."
You have the thought of traveling to Iran. This is very blessed. My hope is that after visiting the Holy Land you will be successful in this.
His honor Nabil, son of Nabil, upon him be My glory and glory, has been and is in the Most Exalted Prison with the permission, leave and good-pleasure of this Wronged One. However, if his honor Afnan, upon him be My glory and loving-kindness, should send someone to that place for the conduct of affairs, so that the aforementioned gentleman might for a few days repair to these parts by way of recreation, this would be pleasing.
With the assured leaf, his wife, you have permission to visit the Holy Shrine.
Those two believers who asked permission to visit the Holy Shrine are permitted to do so with their son.
And the other daughter, the leaf of faithfulness who is in Mashhad, has permission to attain the presence.
As to the handmaiden of God, Ziya'ul-Hajiyyih, who is gladdened by the glad-tidings of God: she, along with other handmaidens, has permission to attain the presence next year and come to the blessed and luminous Shrine in the spring. Likewise, Jinab-i-Mirza Salim Khan, Jinab-i-Muhammad Mahdi Mirza, Jinab-i-Haji Majid Arab, and Jinab-i-Masihi - convey to them with utmost longing the Most Wondrous and Most Glorious greetings from Abdul-Baha. They too have permission to attain the presence next year.
O respected lady! Your beloved daughter and the apple of your eye has been honored to visit the Holy Land and has made the pilgrimage on your behalf.
O attracted leaf! Your letter was received. The honored mother attained the privilege of visiting the Holy Threshold, and you too are permitted to attain His presence whenever possible in the future.
O thou who art firm in the Covenant! Thou didst seek permission to proceed to the Holy Shrine in company with Hakim Harun. Permission had already been granted for him. If he hath not yet departed, thou art permitted to accompany him.
As to what you wrote requesting permission to bring someone with you, this was presented and permission was granted. You may bring whomever you wish. Verily our Lord, the All-Merciful, heareth and answereth, and He is the Near, the Watchful.
O servant of God! Although in these days wisdom does not permit attendance, yet since you have interceded on behalf of another and requested permission for his attendance, not for yourself, this righteous deed has compelled Me to grant permission. Therefore, Jinab-i-Ustad Hasan-i-Yazdi is permitted to proceed to the Holy Shrine.
Regarding the handmaiden of God, Farrukh, thou hadst written that she desires to attain His presence that she may engage in service. For thy sake, permission for her presence is granted.
O thou who art attracted to the divine Beloved!
Thy letter was received. The contents indicated that thou hast the utmost love towards Mr. and Mrs. James Kehler and dost ask permission to come together and be honored with a visit to the Holy Threshold. For thy sake I give permission.
Although in these days there are many obstacles and all are forbidden from presence in these regions, yet in view of the firm and mighty command in the Perspicuous Book "Give the kindred their due", you are permitted to be present, but on condition of a limited number of days, so that those birds may wing their flight to this Frequented House and turn toward the goodly City and the All-Forgiving Lord of every thankful servant.
Regarding what you wrote about his honor Mirza Yusif Khan - last year you had requested permission for him to attain the presence. Since you had offered the utmost praise and commendation of him and had requested permission for him to visit the Holy Shrine, therefore, in consideration of his connection to the brilliant star of the glorious horizon, his honor Vahid-i-Farid (may my spirit be a sacrifice for the near ones), despite the general prohibition, permission for his presence was granted and a letter was written to you at that time regarding this matter.
Although in these days travelling to the land of the heart's desire is not permitted, thou and Mrs. Maxwell have permission to come.
Although the presence of these persons will, in these times, cause the revolt of the heedless ones and increase the trouble, yet for your sake we will send them a telegram to Egypt and permit them to come and visit.
In these days, permission is not given to anyone, but purely for your sake, permission is given to the two sons of Aga Mirza Khalil.
Since this servant observed their presence to be absolutely necessary, therefore he has completely set aside considerations of wisdom and agrees in this matter that they may turn their faces toward the blessed shrine for the purpose of pilgrimage to the Sacred Threshold.
Despite the prohibition on entry, out of consideration and kindness toward you permission for his presence was granted, so that both in his own right and as your proxy he might attain this supreme bounty.
And as for what you desired regarding the journey of the apple of the eye Husayn Effendi and his mother and younger brother (upon them be the peace of God), it was presented before the Master and the sun of permission shone forth for them to proceed to the Most Great Prison.
O Afnan! At this moment the Sun of permission has risen and shone forth from the horizon of the heaven of will. Give glad tidings to the Leaf and those with her on My behalf of My permission, which is the ultimate hope of the seekers and the goal of the hearts of the mystics.
With regard to the six firm, assured and steadfast souls - Jinab-i-Aqa Ali Akbar, Karbala'i Aqa Kish, Aqa Rida-Quli, Aqa Asghar, Aqa Mirza Abdul-Karim and Karbala'i Qasim, may the glory of God rest upon them - you mentioned that they have intended to undertake pilgrimage. This matter was presented in the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence and was met with approval.
Permission is granted for the presence of Master Muhammad-Rida, Ali-Akbar son of Master Javad, and Ali-Akbar Iskaui.
Regarding the request for permission to attain the presence for Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad Hasan, Jinab-i-Aqa Asadu'llah, Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad and Jinab-i-Aqa 'Abdu'l-Husayn, son of Aqa Asadu'llah - they are permitted to come, for they have endured severe tribulations in the path of Truth.
O harbinger of the Cause of God! After several years, we have given Jinab-i-Mirza Mahram and Jinab-i-Zarqani leave to circumambulate the Centre round which circle the Concourse on High.
And regarding Aqa 'Ali who is in the great city and has sought permission to attain the presence - permission was granted. Inform him and give him the glad tidings that he may turn towards the Most Holy Court.
He has requested permission for presence during this journey. You should write a letter to him wherever he may be on my behalf stating that he has permission for presence.
You asked permission to hasten to these regions during Naw-Ruz with Jenab-i-Khajeh Ibrahim. You have permission.
Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Abbas Khan and the handmaid of God Sakinih have permission to attain the presence in the coming spring.
You, along with some of the friends, have permission to attain Our presence at the end of winter.
I await your coming and that of your respected daughters either this spring or next spring. You will certainly come, and when coming, if possible pass through Stuttgart, Germany and from there come to the Holy Land.
Regarding your spring travel, if you make a journey to Germany and come from there to the Holy Land, that would be suitable. You have permission.
If the means of pilgrimage become available for Master Muhammad-Javad, Aqa Mirza Nasru'llah and Mulla Ghulam-Husayn to come with the utmost joy and spirit and return, and the duration of stay in the Holy Land is nine days, they have permission to return at the end of this period.
And regarding his request for permission to turn toward the Most Holy Court and return after a nine-day stay, it was presented, and the sun of permission rose from the dayspring of grace. He should act as the honored Physician hath written, that is, return to his residence with joy and fragrance after nine days.
And if he insists on traveling to this direction, temporary permission is granted for him to make pilgrimage to the Holy Threshold and spend a few days in fellowship with me before returning.
As to what thou hast mentioned concerning the travellers: though it be contrary to wisdom, leave hath been granted for a visit of three days. It behooveth them to approach this land with gladness and joy, and to refrain on their journey from speaking to anyone about this Cause. Any mention or teaching of the Cause hath been forbidden in these regions.
Convey my greetings to the young lions, and as for Jasim, he is permitted to come on condition that he remain in Akka for three days, as I am away in Tiberias.
In truth, since a promise was previously made, therefore if you find yourself unable to find rest and peace there and cannot settle in any way, you have permission to come into Our presence, but on condition of a swift return. This is based on wisdom and expediency and goodwill towards your own self.
Haji Rida has attained the presence. He must give thanks to God for this.
… The command of God is that if someone has not attained the presence and has crossed the sea, there is no objection should they turn towards the Most Holy Court. This is from My favor - I have consented to My own harm for the joy of My loved ones. And after arrival in the Holy Land and a stay of two or three days, they must return to their place. This is the command of God.
O thou who art firm in the Covenant! The letter which thou hadst written to Jinab-i-Manshadi was perused. You have permission to attain the presence, but Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad Sadiq has permission to attain after your return. The intention is that both cannot be present at once - one must come first and the other afterwards.
After the return of my brother, if the means for comfortable travel are ready and available, you have permission to come into my presence.
Thou art permitted to come alone to visit this luminous Spot.
You have permission to visit the Holy Shrine without family members.
O perspicacious Nush! Although at this time, due to wisdom, permission for visits is not being granted, yet the Persian friends are permitted to come, but two by two or three by three. The purpose is that they may observe how loving 'Abdu'l-Baha is toward those friends.
It would be very good if before going to Iran you could pass by the Holy Shrine - perhaps through God's help and grace one hour of meeting would be possible.
However, at present there is an important matter at hand - you must come quickly to the Holy Land.
If undertaking affairs requires going to Istanbul, permission is granted. Otherwise, you have direct permission for pilgrimage to the Most Exalted Shrine.
The brothers Aqa Mashhadi Isma'il, Jinab-i-Karbala'i Mahmud and Jinab-i-Haji Muhammad Aqa have permission to attain the presence, but during the season of pilgrimage when they intend to visit the Ka'bah.
Our intention was that he should spend some time there guiding souls and then turn towards the Desired Land. But it appears that the flame of longing has reached an unbearable degree. In this case, they are permitted to make the Most Great Pilgrimage with your honor under the pretext of Hajj.
But what is available now in cash is this: As commanded, on Tuesday the 19th of the blessed month of Ramadan, his honor Aqa Muhammad, upon him be the glory of God, should seat the travelers in a carriage - including he who was named before the Countenance as Haji Ahmad and those with him, and the two who are in the guest house, these being four in total - and bring them.
They suddenly arrived in Port Said, but with the permission of the Greatest Holy Leaf. In truth, Mirza Ja'far showed the utmost consideration up until Port Said, but his wife changed his intention. They said they would not go directly to 'Ishqabad but would go to other places.
Therefore, we sent the handmaiden of God Hakimih Khatun along with two women from Azerbaijan and Ahmadov to 'Ishqabad, and I wrote special recommendations in my own hand to Baku and 'Ishqabad.
After you are released from military service, you have permission to attain the presence of the Holy Land.
Furthermore, his honor Nabil of Qa'in, upon him be the glory of God, has reached Mosul and has paused there, seeking permission to attain the presence. Permission has been granted from the Source of Command for him to proceed to the Most Holy Court or to the Land of Ha, as deemed appropriate by your honor, and indeed your honor's judgment in this matter was most wise.
I was present before the Throne when the Ancient Beauty turned towards me and said, exalted be His grandeur and mighty His proof: "The Sacred House desired to turn towards God, the Lord of all worlds. We withheld the Pen from giving permission, but at this hour the sun of Will hath shone forth from the horizon of loving-kindness and We have permitted her, as a token of Our grace, for We are the Bountiful, the All-Wise.
More recently, this utterance was spoken by His blessed Tongue: "Write to My Afnan [who had promised to escort the Bab's wife] that we agreed and consented to the exalted leaf's request. Currently, the honored persons continue to stand ready and prepared to fulfil that promise, though they have not spoken of it." He further stated, "Write of this matter to the Afnan, upon him be the glory of God, as he was well aware of such a promise beforehand. We desired to fulfil what We had assured the exalted leaf."
As to their mention of the honored Aqa Siyyid Muhammad-i-Sahhaf, he hath been granted permission to enter. Let him give thanks unto God for this manifest bounty. However, taking up residence in this land is another matter.
Another matter: His Holiness the Afnan, upon him be all the most glorious splendor of God, attained presence for the first time, and again in these days renewed his request for presence. The Sun of Permission dawned and he was favored with this bounty.
And as for what you desired regarding your presence before the Face, We love this and permit you in truth. No harm shall befall you, and what you desire shall not become known among the people. Thus has the matter been decreed from the Pen of Destiny by One who is Mighty and Wise.
Thou didst seek permission to attain His presence. At this time it hath been granted, and the luminary of permission hath dawned and appeared from the horizon of the heaven of God's command.
O Muhammad after Siyyid, upon thee be My Glory! My Name, upon whom be My glory and loving-kindness, hath appeared before Me and asked God, his Lord and thy Lord, to seek permission for thee to attain unto this blessed and praiseworthy station. Therefore hath the luminary of permission shone forth from the horizon of the will of God, the Lord of the worlds.
Concerning what was written about Aqa Muhammad Mihdi, upon him be God's peace, permission is hereby granted according to His command that he may proceed to the prison and thence to whatsoever God willeth and desireth.
And since whatever hath befallen thee was in the path of God, therefore there is no harm if thou desirest to turn toward the Most Holy Court - it is beloved. In all conditions thou hast had and hast permission either to remain or to return.
We had given permission to you both aforetime to turn towards the countenance of God, the Mighty, the Praised, but the time passed until the occasion was gone.
Without permission they brought along another person. After arrival he interceded for a group in this land, therefore We pardoned him and he attained the honor of Our presence. Assuredly, had he come with permission his station would have been different.
Then did the Sun of permission shine forth from the horizon of the heaven of thy Lord's command, the Almighty, the Powerful.
And now, O beloved of My heart! Thy letter arrived repeatedly, news arrived, and praise be to God, the morn of hope hath dawned, in that, praise be to God, the Sun of loving-kindness hath risen and permission hath been granted.
This servant submits that some time ago, when the letter from His Holiness Ismu'llah (upon him be all the most glorious Glory of God) arrived, permission was granted from the Source of Authority for your honor to turn toward the intended destination. Now once again this most exalted and most holy command hath descended from the heaven of divine will.
I have written this letter in my own hand so that no doubt may arise.
You have permission to visit the Holy Shrine, may my spirit be sacrificed for its threshold.
If possible, proceed with the utmost joy and delight to the path of the Friend - you have permission for attaining the presence, and upon you be the Most Glorious Glory.
Permission is granted for you to visit the Threshold that is the sanctuary of the Supreme Concourse. Blessed art thou and glad tidings be unto thee for this.
As to thy coming to this land, there is no harm in that. Thou art permitted to come and this is an ample reward unto thee.
You had expressed your utmost desire to attain the presence of the sacred threshold of the One Who conversed on Sinai. Permission for presence is granted.
Permission for circumambulation of the Ka'bah of the Divine Purpose is granted to you.
O thou who art firm in the Covenant! Thou didst yearn to attain unto His presence, that thou mightest travel as companion to Hakim Harun. Although the time is not propitious and there are impediments to being in His presence, nevertheless, since thou hast beseeched and insisted with the utmost humility and self-effacement, there is no choice but to accept. The rest is up to thee. And upon thee be the Most Glorious Glory!
In it was written that you have permission to attain the presence, and this permission was specifically granted to you. Many requested this bounty but due to wisdom it was not granted in these days.
Regarding the beloved's journey, permission has been granted that they may proceed whenever they wish. This is glad tidings from this servant to you.
We have commanded Mishkin, upon him be the Glory of God, Lord of the worlds, to present himself before the Countenance through you and to visit Him Who hath spoken and speaketh: "Verily there is no God but Him, the Mighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise."
In these days He has repeatedly mentioned your honor, and at the time of writing commanded: "Write that they should come on Thursday so that a meeting may take place."
Although the condition of this land is not known, yet permission hath been granted. Give thou the glad-tidings unto Samandar, upon him be My glory, that he may rejoice in this bounty from Our presence. In all circumstances they must observe wisdom.
We have therefore granted thee permission to proceed to this exalted quarter. In any case, shouldst thou desire to journey to this quarter, thou art permitted.
Permission was previously granted for the journey of Aqa Muhammad Isma'il and thyself, however it must be carried out according to the requirements of wisdom.
As to thy desire to attain the presence of the Countenance, We have granted thee permission for what thou didst wish, as a bounty from Us unto thee, that thou mayest be of the thankful.
We have given thee permission and have recorded for thee the reward of attaining His presence through My Most Exalted Pen in My perspicuous Book.
We have granted thee permission and have revealed for thee that which will draw thee to the Most Exalted Horizon, this glorious and wondrous station.
And regarding what you wrote at the end of the letter about visitation, this servant presented himself before the Throne with your intention and circumambulated and visited on your behalf, and it was a very pleasant occasion -- praise be to God in all conditions.
Thou didst mention 'Ali-i-Akbar, upon him be My Glory, and didst seek permission to attain his presence, meeting, and circumambulation as his deputy. This matter was illumined with the light of permission even before being mentioned. When thou seest him, stand before him and proclaim "Allah-u-Akbar" on My behalf and say: Blessed art thou, O thou who art exiled in the lands for the sake of God, the Lord of creation!
At this hour the luminary of permission hath dawned from the Dayspring of divine Will, and We have commanded that Jinab-i-Husayn, thy helper, appear by proxy before the Face and perform that which hath been the hope of the sincere ones and those near unto God.
Now you are My deputy in taking this pilgrimage. I am a prisoner and not permitted to leave. My utmost wish is for the freedom to go and visit these places, but I cannot do so. Therefore, on behalf of 'Abdu'l-Baha, you must go. With the utmost reverence and humility, visit these holy places, and pray for confirmation.
And they desired that on behalf of the aforementioned souls they might repeatedly attain the presence and be honored with visitation.
… This has been adorned with the ornament of acceptance and it was commanded that they should engage in feasting and Jinab-i-Amin in service.
And regarding his appointing you as his representative to attain the presence - this matter has been accepted. At some time, turn toward it on behalf of the friends of God who were mentioned in the letter, and attain to that which is intended.
We testify that Jinab-i-Ism-i-Jud previously visited the House of God on your behalf, and this year they also intend to do so. God willing, they shall attain and be adorned with the seal of acceptance.
We have made several pilgrimages on your behalf, and this news is all glad-tidings.
All the holy leaves are visiting the Sacred Threshold of the Divine Unity on your behalf and as your representatives. Rest assured this visitation is accepted, beloved and praiseworthy.
Your honored son Aqa Muhammad-Rida has repeatedly attained the presence of God on your behalf, and now as your representative circles round the Holy Shrine.
Therefore, permission is granted that in winter, with the utmost longing and eagerness and complete yearning, you may attain the honor of visiting the blessed Spot, the Sacred Threshold, on behalf of 'Abdu'l-Baha.
O ye two who are associated with the Supreme Threshold! Jinab-i-Ardeshir, like a lion, made his way to the luminous forest and, like a fierce lion, reached these thickets. In this wilderness he roared, and at the Supreme Threshold he offered worship, and on your behalf he beseeched forgiveness and sought pardon.
From the glad tidings of deputizing in pilgrimage, utmost joy was attained. The reality of existence bowed its head in prostration with praise that, thanks be to God, we have acceptable deputies for visiting the Threshold of the Friend, and we have found representatives of intense supplication in acquiring holy bounties.
Now you must don the pilgrim garb of the Ka'bah of existence from this land, and on behalf of 'Abdu'l-Baha set out for the path of the Friend, lay your head at the Sacred Threshold, and perfume your nostrils with the sweet fragrance of the blessed Shrine.
As for their request for pilgrimage, it was accepted by proxy for that beloved one. We beseech God to accept the deeds, and surely they are accepted.
Praise be to God, they are adorned with the ornament of God's grace and act according to what hath been revealed in the Book. Blessed is he who maketh his utterance for God and his work for God and his orientation toward God and his patience in God. And at the end of the letter his honor Abdul-Baha, glory be upon him, requested that after receiving permission you visit and circumambulate on his behalf. Permission hath appeared - turn thy face to Him Who mentioned thee and remembereth thee, then do as he desired.
His honor M.H., upon whom be the glory of God, attained the privilege of visiting the true House and mentioned you. Therefore this Tablet was revealed and sent, that you might drink from it the Kawthar of your Lord's bountiful gifts, the All-Bountiful.
It is the same as I have written: Thou shalt attain to visit Acca; but now a physical visit (or presence) will lead to interference on the part of the ignorant and cause the tumult and commotion of the unwise. For the present, satisfy thyself with a spiritual union. God willing, thy coming will be also brought about afterward.
O wise Siyavash! You had intended to circumambulate the Holy Threshold and had donned the pilgrim garment of the Friend's sanctuary. This intention will, God willing, be accepted at the Court of the Divine Unity, and the effects of its acceptance will become manifest in all things.
In any case, I beseech God that the grace of an accepted pilgrimage be decreed for you. Although you did not arrive, may you be counted among those who attained and among the accepted pilgrims.
And among Thy handmaidens is this one who hath migrated in Thy path and desired to visit the Most Great House and circumambulate the sacred precincts. The winds of Thy decree seized her and prevented her from entering into the sea of nearness unto Thee and from dwelling in Thy presence.
The Supreme Pen testifies that you turned towards Him and, purely for the sake of God, set out from your home intending to reach the Most Great House of God. You bore the hardship of travel and traversed sea and land until you arrived at the Most Great Prison and heard His sweetest call and beheld His most exalted horizon.
O thou assured leaf!
Mirza 'Abdu'l-'Ali traversed vast distances, crossed deserts, and cut through seas and difficult terrain until he reached the destination of his hopes and arrived at the resting place of the Concourse on High. He circumambulated the sanctuary of the holy ones and perfumed his face and hair with the dust of the Sacred Threshold.
O pilgrim of fragrant musk-like breath! Praise be to God that from those regions you donned the pilgrim garment of the Ka'bah of the intended goal and, with utmost sincerity and attention to the Beauty of the Beloved, you traversed the stages and stations until you reached the gatherings of remembrance and attained the honor of presence at the holy sanctuaries.
O spiritual youth! Haji Iman traversed mountain and desert, crossed wilderness and sea, until he arrived at the blessed, luminous Shrine and prostrated himself at its most holy threshold.
Despite obstacles and difficulties, you have borne every kind of hardship from distant places to attain the blessing of pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of the Exalted One and circumambulation of the Sacred Resting Place.
O My Afnan! The Divine Lote-Tree bears witness that you turned to it and endured hardships in its path until you entered the Spot of Paradise and attained the presence and saw and heard the call of the Wronged One in His mighty prison, and achieved that which nothing on earth can equal.
Blessed art thou for having attained the presence of God time and again, and for having inquired of Him in this remote prison.
Praise be to God that thou didst arrive in the Most Great Prison and didst attain the presence of the Wronged One in thy comings and goings.
This is a book from the Wronged One of the horizons to one of His friends who emigrated from his place until he attained the most exalted horizon and drank the Kawthar of reunion from the hands of the bounty of the Lord of Names.
Rest assured that I shall soon see your delicate little face and from your little mouth I shall hear a wondrous melody and song in praise and glorification of the Lord.
O servant of God! Give thanks to God, for thou hast come to the Holy Land, visited the Sacred Threshold, associated with us for a few days and heard the divine admonitions, which are in the heavenly Books.
The honored Mr. Remey and Mr. Latimer, accompanied by Aqa Mirza Habib and Mirza 'Azizu'llah Khan, have arrived in the Holy Land and, after several days' stay in the utmost joy and delight, have now returned to America.
O thou my beloved friend!
For a long time thou didst have the longing to visit the Blessed Spot and the yearning to meet this imprisoned one. Finally this gift became realized, but it was for one moment and as the dew to the rose-garden of the hearts.
O pilgrim of musk-like breath, praise God that you attained the blessing of pilgrimage to the sacred dust and made the soil of His threshold the healing balm for your eyes.
O handmaiden of God, believing leaf!
His honor Aqa Siyyid Nasru'llah, like the messenger of Saba, arrived at the center of the throne of the Most Glorious Beauty (may my spirit be sacrificed for His resting place) and attained the blessing of circumambulating the gathering place of the Supreme Concourse.
O kind friend! The Persian gentlemen and Faruqi are proceeding toward their destination to perfume their faces and hair with the dust of the holy and fragrant shrine. You should show them natural kindness and consideration, but there is no need for an extended stay since they must return. Convey yearning greetings to Jinab-i-Aqa Muhammad-Hasan and the other friends. And upon you be the Most Glorious Glory.
O pilgrim to the Sacred Threshold! Even as a Turkish tax-collector, Shoghi Effendi compelleth me insistently to write without any other recourse. I have put pen to paper despite my lack of time, so thou mayest know that the ocean of my loving-kindness is surging, and that the mystic voice is calling out these glad-tidings from the realm of the invisible for us to hear: "Blessed are they that have attained the Sacred Threshold! Blessed are they that have made pilgrimage to the Spot circled round by the Concourse on High!"
A Book from Us to him who was present before the Throne and was among the successful ones, and heard the call of his Lord, the Most Merciful, when He was established upon the throne of His Great Name. Blessed art thou, O servant, for having emigrated in the path of God and for having drunk the choice wine of revelation from this Great Sea.
He endured the hardships of paths by land and sea to attain the presence before the Face of the Wronged One. Praise be to God, he arrived and was blessed with meeting and hearing.
He Who was wronged mentions you from the prison precincts, O Afnan 'Ali who has attained unto God, and remembers the days of your presence before His face and your standing before the door and your hearkening to My sweetest call in the morning and evening hours.
O true friends and cherished handmaidens of God! His honor Aqa Mirza 'Abdu'l-Husayn, with utmost eagerness, enthusiasm and speed set out to visit the Blessed Shrine. However, before reaching its vicinity he was prevented and compelled to journey and travel to the Egypt of Joseph.
Praise God that you laid your head at the Sacred Threshold and fell prostrate upon the dust of the Court, turned toward the Divine Presence and sang songs of thanksgiving.
O thou who hast visited the Sacred Shrine!
Praise God that thou didst cross the seas and didst arrive at the shore of the ocean of thy Lord's bounty. Thou didst circumambulate the Sacred Shrine and didst prostrate thyself at the Threshold of His oneness.
O two sweet flowers in the garden of the love of God!
The honored Haji, your father, arrived in the Most Great Prison and attained the supreme bounty and infinite mercy by achieving the blessing of attaining His presence and was honored by visiting the purified tomb and illumined shrine.
Now, God willing, with permission granted, he must pass like the life-giving fragrances of the love of the Lord God to other lands and regions, and with the sweet fragrance of the mountain thyme from the rose garden of grace, perfume the nostrils of those yearning in the desert of separation.
O seeker of the Friend's lane! You hastened with soul and body and found no rest until you reached the vicinity of the Holy Shrine.
You dwelt for a time in the Holy Land and were present at God's feast in the meadow of Akka.
Now that thou art returning, thou must journey back with the utmost joy and gladness, and praise the Pure Lord, and open thy tongue in thanksgiving that thou hast been favored with such a bounty.
O true friend of 'Abdu'l-Baha, dear spiritual one! Aqa Siyyid Nasir has arrived in the Holy Land and attained the honor of circumambulating the Sacred Tomb. We are sending him to you so that by beholding his countenance you may find joy, delight and gladness.
O thou servant of the Covenant! Jinab-i-Yusuf Khan arrived and today set out for America. May he be confirmed and assisted, God willing.
In any case, there is no time or opportunity to write more than this now, as a group of American pilgrims are waiting to meet, and truly meeting them brings spirit and fragrance, for they are people of arts and sciences, among the notables and eminent ones of that land, and are in the utmost state of being enkindled with the fire of the love of God.
Be sure to show attention and consideration to the divine friends who come for pilgrimage.
O thou whose breath is fragrant with musk!
Once again thou hast come to visit this exile, and donned the pilgrim's garb to circumambulate the gathering-place of the Concourse on High, and hast been blessed with this great honor.
Two days ago your son came and was specifically requested, and for some time was present and honored before the Beloved's presence.
The Most Exalted Pen beareth witness to thy acceptance and thy turning towards Him and thy arrival and thy standing before the gate that was opened unto all who are in the heavens and on earth.
O My handmaiden and the daughter of My handmaiden! The Tongue of Grandeur and tender Mercy maketh mention of thee from the realm on high and beareth witness to thy banishment and thy journey in the path of God, to thy presence and thy visitation in the days when the Most Great Prison was the seat of His Throne. In the estimation of God this testimony is greater than all things. Recognize its station and appreciate its value.
Husayn hath appeared before Our presence and circumambulated the House, attaining unto that which was inscribed in the Books of God, the Lord of the seen and the unseen.
We bear witness that he hath turned towards Us and traversed land and sea until he reached the Most Great Prison, the Spot wherein the Wronged One was established upon the throne of utterance with manifest sovereignty.
As to what thou didst write concerning Aqa Rahmatu'llah, upon him be the Glory of God - praise be to God, the glad tidings of permission reached him, and now, praise be to God, it is several days that he is present and circumambulating. … Praise be to God, the purpose was achieved and they attained unto the blessing of pilgrimage.
The honored Afnan, Mirza Buzurg, and the honored Afnan, Aqa Mirza Habib, were granted permission to enter and, having arrived, perfumed their nostrils with the holy fragrances of the gathering place of the Supreme Concourse. They remained here for some time and then departed.
Now he has been granted leave from the precincts of the seat and resting place of the Most Great Throne to return to those regions.
Now he has been given permission and leave to return and to be gladdened by the sight of the beloved faces of the friends.
In these days when Shaykh Salman, upon him be the Glory of God, is departing for those regions, a number of travelers who are present in this land have, in accordance with His will, been given permission to depart. However, as funds for their return journey were not available, this evanescent one received fifty tumans from Shaykh Salman and some from another source, so that after attaining the bounty of His presence and meeting, and that which was recorded in the Scriptures and Tablets, they might return to their homelands with permission and leave.
O Muhammad, upon you be the peace of God and His favors! Several days ago, permission to return was granted to the travelers and emigrants. We beseech God that He may enable all to reach their homes and destinations with the utmost joy and fragrance.
At this moment the permission to return hath dawned. Turn thy face toward thy native land. Rejoice thou in this irrevocable decree, the Mighty, the Wise. Return by God's might and power, and glorify the Wronged One before the faces of His loved ones, and give them the glad tidings of His mercy that hath preceded all and His loving-kindness that hath encompassed all in the heavens and the earth.
O thou perfumed pilgrim! Diverse multitudes and countless throngs each year separate themselves from friend and acquaintance, kith and kin, wife and child, abandoning their familiar homeland, traversing deserts and crossing vast distances until they reach the earthly Ka'bih - an edifice metaphorically attributed to God which, through a word from the Dayspring of Revelation, has become the point of circumambulation for souls. With utmost eagerness, humility and submissiveness they circle round it, seeking acceptance at the threshold of the Almighty and hoping to attract the gaze of the Ever-Living, the All-Powerful.
Therefore, don the pilgrim's garment and set out to circumambulate the circuit of the Concourse on High. When you reach the desired land, you will witness the wisdom behind your lack of success in the previous year and will be amazed at what grace and bounty this was, and what favor and blessing it was that the pilgrimage was delayed until such days.
As for your seeking permission to visit the tomb of Husayn, God granted you permission a thousand thousand years before your existence. Attain to this greatest bounty, for a single soul upon that earth is greater in my sight than the dominion of the first and the last, for there lies the nearness to the court of the Divine Presence and the manifestation of the Tree of Sinai.
For thought and discussion