prayer for steadfastness; obedience
Editorial introduction
Steadfastness, as Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá teach it in prayer, is never claimed as a personal achievement. It is asked for. The heart cannot find tranquillity, one prayer confesses, except through divine loving-kindness; the servant who testifies to God’s oneness admits that doubt still seizes him at times; a broken-winged bird asks to be made firm. To pray for constancy is to accept that love must be renewed, and that the renewal comes from beyond oneself. Yet the asking never rests in the heart alone. Firmness is meant to show itself in trustworthiness, forgiveness, wise speech and virtuous deeds, in a service that reaches as far as reconciliation among peoples. The images change with the need: a cord to hold, a sheltering tree, living water for a thirsty soul, the fortified stronghold of the Covenant. Prisoners, widows and whole families are prayed for by name, and prosperity is named as a test no less than adversity. From here the journey leads into the wider life of prayer, and into steadfastness and perseverance as the daily shape that faithfulness takes.
Say: Praise be to Thee, O my God, for having graciously bestowed upon me through Thy bounty and generosity, and guided me to Thy Kingdom, and given me to drink from the cup of Thy guidance, and sheltered me beneath the tree of Thy oneness. Verily Thou art the All-Bountiful, verily Thou art the All-Merciful.
O my God, make me steadfast in Thy Covenant and cause me to be firm in Thy love, and deliver me from every severe test.
Say:
O my God, my Beloved, and my Purpose! Thou seest me acknowledging Thy unity and confessing Thy grandeur and sovereignty. I testify that steadfastness cannot be established except through Thy might and power, and the heart cannot find tranquility save through Thy loving-kindness and grace.
I am a servant who hath believed in Thee and in Thy signs, and I am assured of Thy oneness and do testify to Thy singleness. Yet at times doubts seize me and return me to the abode of the doubtful ones, and at times the breaths of Thy name, the All-Merciful, take hold of me and cause me to soar in the atmosphere of them that are nigh unto Thee.
Therefore I beseech Thee, O my God, by Thy First Light and by Thy Last Manifestation, that Thou make this servant, who hath stood at the door of Thy might and prostrated himself in the dust in submission to Thy command, steadfast in Thy love, yielding to Thy sovereignty, turning toward the sanctuary of Thy beauty, and consecrated to the Ka'bah of Thy glory.
O Lord! Make it firm in Your religion and aid it in the greatest steadfastness. Verily You are the Confirmer, the Helper, the Mighty, the Merciful, the Bestower.
O my God! O my God! These are servants who have hastened to the shade of the tree of Thy Covenant, who have rushed to the threshold of Thy holy grandeur, who have arrived at the flowing spring, and who have longed for the bestowed bounty in the extended shade beneath the raised banner. They have stood firm in Thy Cause, remained steadfast in Thy love, and sprouted from the rain of Thy clouds and the outpouring of Thy heaven.
O Lord! These are the guides to Thy Cause, humble at Thy gate, poor in Thy land yet rich through Thy bounty, weak before Thy power yet strong through Thy might. They have remained firm in Thy Covenant, drawn from the effulgence of Thy radiance, discovered Thy traces, drunk from Thy sweet waters, been guided by Thy lights, and made themselves targets for the arrows of enemies in Thy love.
O Lord! Make firm the feet of Thy loved ones in Thy Cause and make them steadfast in Thy love. Make their hearts illumined by the radiant rays from Thy most glorious Kingdom and their breasts dilated through Thy verses sent down from Thy most exalted Realm. O Lord! They are orphans who have taken refuge in the shelter of Thy protection, they are poor who have sought the shade of Thy shelter, they are lowly ones who have clung to the cord of Thy might and grace. Look upon them, therefore, with the eye of Thy mercy and make them a sign of Thy compassion amongst Thy creatures.
I beseech Thee to bestow upon Thy loved ones the heavenly manna and the water of steadfastness.
Say: My God, my God! Thou seest us in the hands of the heedless and the transgressors. We beseech Thee to assist us to hold fast unto that which Thou hast revealed in Thy Book and unto deeds from which the fragrance of Thy good-pleasure may be wafted. Thou knowest that we desire naught save trustworthiness and religiousness and truthfulness and purity.
My God, my God! Strengthen the hearts of Thy loved ones in such wise that the hosts of the heedless and the denial of the opposers shall not weaken them. Verily, Thou art the Mighty, the Supreme over all who are in the heavens and the earth.
I beseech Thee, O Ocean of Bounty, by Thy Most Great Signs, to enable me and Thy loved ones to stand firm with supreme steadfastness, and ordain for me and for them that which befitteth the heaven of Thy grace and the sun of Thy mercy.
O my Lord! Thou seest me turning unto Thee, holding fast to Thy cord and clinging to Thy robe. I beseech Thee not to deprive me of what is with Thee, then write down for me the good of this world and the next through Thy grace and favor. Make me then a helper of Thy Cause, standing firm in Thy service and celebrating Thy praise.
O Lord! Illumine their hearts with the light of Thy knowledge, and adorn their heads with the crowns of trustworthiness amidst Thy creatures, and their temples with the ornament of detachment through Thy grace and mercy.
O Farrukh Kh! Say: My God, my God! I beseech Thee by the waves of the ocean of Thy generosity, and by the trees of the paradise of Thy mercy, and by the fruits of the Divine Lote-Tree of Thy glory, and by the effulgences of the orb of Thy bounty, and by the shade of the leaves of the garden of Thy loving-kindness, and by the rivers flowing in the paradise of Thy will, to make me steadfast in Thy Cause in such wise that the laws and principles of men shall not prevent me from Thy commandments and ordinances.
I beseech Thee, O God of the seen and unseen, by Him Who conversed with Thee on Sinai, Who through Thy power and sovereignty was established upon the throne of Revelation, to aid me to be steadfast in Thy love.
My Lord! Enable them to stand firm in Thy Cause, to be steadfast and immovable in Thy service, to be sincere in obeying Thee, to be detached from this worldly existence, and to be freed from every remembrance and thought that relates to the lowest depths.
O my Lord! Assist me to perform that which Thou hast desired, through the power of Thy sovereignty, and which Thou hast sent down in Thine unerring Book.
I beseech Thee by the Most Great Word through which Thou didst create earth and heaven, and by Thy Prophets and Messengers, and by the lights of the dawn of Thy Manifestation, to aid me to act according to what Thou hast commanded me in Thy Book and to keep me from what Thou hast forbidden through Thy wisdom and Thy will.
I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which Thou didst open the door of Thy mercy unto the faces of Thy servants and didst aid them that were detached through the hosts of Thy wisdom and Thy utterance, to assist Thy servants to perform that from which the fragrance of Thy good-pleasure may be wafted. O my Lord! I am Thy servant and the son of Thy servant. I have turned to Thee, beseeching the ocean of Thy favor and the heaven of Thy bounty. O my Lord! Aid me to serve Thee with such steadfastness as cannot be hindered by names nor by what the opposing parties possess.
O Lord! I am Thy servant and the son of Thy servant. I desire naught save that which will make me steadfast in Thy Cause and hold fast to the cord of Thy commandments and ordinances.
Say: O my God and my Beloved! I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which Thou didst subdue the signs and reveal the clear evidences, to aid me to act according to Thy good-pleasure and to avoid that which Thou hast forbidden in Thy Book. Then ordain for me that which shall profit me in this world and the next, for verily I know not anything and Thou art the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.
Ask thou God to assist thee to remain steadfast in this mighty Cause and to aid thee to act according to that which He hath revealed in His wise Book - that Book through whose appearance the clouds have passed, the breezes of revelation have wafted, the path hath been laid down, the balance hath been set up, and the nightingale hath warbled upon the branches.
O my Lord! I beseech Thee by the lights of Thy throne, by the ordinances of Thy Book, by the fragrances of Thy verses and by the manifestations of Thy grandeur, to make me in all conditions to turn toward Thy most exalted horizon, to speak Thy praise, O Lord of all names, to be detached from Thine enemies who have violated Thy covenant and Thy testament, who have disputed Thy signs and denied Thy proof and Thy evidence.
I beseech Thee by the fragrances of Thy days and the manifestations of Thy greatness in Thy lands to assist them that have turned toward the Most Great Steadfastness, that the doubts of the factions and the intimations of those who have denied the Beginning and the Return may not deter them.
Say: My God, my God! Thou seest me turning toward Thee and holding fast unto Thy cord. I beseech Thee by the Word which Thou hast made as a fire unto the ungodly and a light unto the believers, and by Thy power which hath encompassed all existence, both seen and unseen, to aid me to perform such deeds as shall diffuse the fragrance of Thy good-pleasure.
Hold fast unto the Sure Handle and say: "O Lord of the Throne on high and of earth below, Lord of the world to come and of the world that now is! We beseech Thee by Thy Most Beautiful Names and by the lights of Thy countenance from the Most Exalted Horizon that Thou assist us to remain steadfast in Thy Cause and in Thy love and enable us to act according to what Thou hast sent down in Thy Book.
I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which Thou didst subdue all who are in the heavens and earth, and through which the people of the graves arose, to preserve me beneath the shade of the Tree of Thy singleness.
I beseech Thee by Thy most great signs and by Thy call whereby the hearts of the Concourse on High were attracted, to make me content with Thy good-pleasure and to act according to what Thou hast revealed in Thy Book. Then ordain for me that which Thou hast ordained for Thy chosen ones who have cast away the world and offered up their souls in their longing to meet Thee.
O my Lord! I beseech Thee by Thy power which hath encompassed all things, and by Thy bounty through which existence hath appeared from the unseen and the seen, to assist whosoever hath turned toward Thee to be steadfast in Thy Cause.
Rejoice thou in what We have sent down unto thee in this Tablet and say: O Thou through Whose Name the horizon of praise was illumined and by Whose Call the people of creation were stirred to motion, ordain that I may stand firm in Thy service, utter Thy remembrance, serve Thy Cause, and act according to what Thou hast sent down in Thy Book.
When you discover the fragrance of the utterance of the Wronged One, say:
My God, my God! I beseech Thee by Thy Name, the Self-Subsisting, to assist me to be steadfast in Thy love and to act according to what Thou hast sent down in Thy Book. Verily Thou art powerful over what Thou willest and in Thy grasp are the reins of creation.
O Thou in Whose grasp is the reins of all creation! My Lord, I beseech Thee by the lights of Thy countenance and the fruits of the tree of Thy knowledge, to make me steadfast in Thy remembrance and praise, and reliant upon Thee in all conditions.
O Lord! Aid Thy servants to recognize Thy Self and that which Thou hast willed through Thy power and sovereignty. Then enable them to act in accordance with what Thou hast commanded them in Thy Scriptures and Thy Tablets.
Say: O my God! I beseech Thee by Thy Name, the All-Compelling over all names, and by Thy signs which have filled earth and heaven, to assist me in serving Thee and in obeying Thee, that I may follow Thy chosen ones whom Thou hast made the Dawning-Places of Thy Cause, the Recipients of Thy Revelation, and the Daysprings of Thy Laws.
I beseech Thee therefore, O my God, by the right of Muhammad and His family, to graciously bestow upon me the knowledge of Thee, to grant me constancy in serving Thee, to let me recline upon the carpet of Thy favor, and to stand before the trustees of Thy Revelation, the vessels of Thy knowledge, the guardians of Thy mystery, and the interpreters of Thy signs - those servants whom Thou hast chosen for the station of Thy authority, singled out for the manifestation of Thy sovereignty, and whose obedience Thou hast linked to obedience unto Thee, and whose love to love of Thee.
The request of this servant to all the friends is that they pray night and day that this servant may be assisted in fulfilling the conditions of servitude to the Ancient Beauty.
I entreat Thee by the tokens of Thine everlasting assistance and by the confirmations of Thine incomparable majesty to grant that I may remain firm and fast in manifesting absolute servitude at the portals of Thy divine unity and in showing forth complete evanescence before the revelation of a wondrous token of Thy oneness.
Therefore, this servant at all times makes supplication to the Divine Threshold, crying and lamenting, praying: "My Lord, my Lord! Make firm my steps on Thy straight path, enable me to serve Thy mighty Cause, and make me steadfast in exalting Thy Word among the worlds."
It behooveth thee to thank God for this great gift and say:
"O my Lord! Confirm me to serve Thy beloved and to be submissive and humble before Thy chosen ones. Make me to know the meaning of Thy Words and inform me of the mysteries of Thy signs. Place me in the shadow of the standard of Thy Testament and preserve me from Thy tests which break backs and unveil the sins of the back-sliders and tend to disgrace the party of deception and the people of wickedness (i.e., the nakazeen).
O Lord! Thou hast planted the tree of hope in the hearts of Thy loved ones. Withhold not from it the stream of Thy mercy, and protect it from the swords of Thine enemies.
The poor one knocketh at this moment at the door of Thy generosity, and the unlettered one turneth toward the ocean of Thy knowledge and wisdom. I beseech Thee by that treasure which Thou hast deposited in the hearts of them that are sincere amongst Thy servants to make me steadfast in Thy Cause, firm in Thy love and standing ready to serve Thee. Praise be unto Thee, O my God and my Lord, for having shown me the billows of the ocean of Thy utterance and the lights of the orb of Thy bounty.
Then I beseech Thee, O God of Names and Creator of heaven, by Thy Most Exalted Word, to grant me the Most Great Steadfastness and the Greatest Intercession.
O Lord! I am the poor one, and within Thy grasp are the reins of grace and bounty. Ordain for me that which will draw me nigh unto Thee and make me steadfast in Thy Cause in such wise that the howling of wolves will not prevent me from turning toward Thee, O Lord of Lords!
When thou hast hearkened to My utterance, say: "My God, my God! Thou seest me turning toward Thee. I beseech Thee to ordain for me that which will draw me nigh unto Thee. And I beseech Thee, O God of Names and Creator of heaven, to assist me in Thy remembrance and praise and in steadfastness in Thy Most Great Cause and Thy Mighty News."
Say: My God, my God! I beseech Thee by Thy Light which shone forth before the creation of the sun and its radiance, and by Thy Mercy which hath preceded the earth and the heaven and all that is therein, to make me steadfast in Thy love and firm and immovable in Thy Cause.
Therefore, O my God, since his hands are cut off from the mantle of Thy nearness and reunion with Thee, let not the cord of Thy loving-kindness and the handle of Thy favors be cut off from his heart.
… Then make his feet firm upon the path, for verily Thou art the Mighty, the Beloved.
O Lord! Make easy for him that which is difficult, enlighten his conscience, ordain for him abundant good, and make firm his footsteps on the straight path, attracted to the manifest light, mindful of Thy wondrous remembrance, and supplicating to Thy exalted Kingdom.
My God! Aid him to remain steadfast with perfect and complete firmness, preserve him in Thy most secure sanctuary, and facilitate for him that which he loveth and with which he is well-pleased. Verily, Thou art the Guardian of the people of fidelity.
Furthermore I beseech Thee, O Sovereign of bounty and generosity, to grant me the Most Great Steadfastness, the description of which hath proved beyond the power of all created things.
O my Lord! Deal with me according to Thy grace and bounty, then protect me from those who have denied Thy Manifestation and turned away from Thy Beauty. Make me then steadfast in Thy love in such wise that the winds that blow from the hearts of Thy heedless servants and the ungodly among Thy creatures shall not move me.
Say: Glory be unto Thee, O my God, my Lord, my Helper and my Strengthener! I beseech Thee by those who were martyred in Thy path and gave up their spirits in Thy good-pleasure, to make me steadfast in Thy Cause and firm in Thy service.
I beseech Thee by Thy sovereignty which hath encompassed the world and by Thy Most Great Name whereby Thou hast subdued the nations to ordain for me steadfastness in Thy remembrance and praise and in acting according to what Thou hast sent down in Thy Book.
Then cause me, O my God, to be so steadfast in Thy Cause that neither the tempests of allusions nor the storms of doubts shall move me.
I beseech Thee by the Most Great Word through which the earth was cleft asunder and the heaven was rent apart, to ordain for me from Thy Most Exalted Pen that which will make me steadfast in Thy Cause, holding fast to Thy cord and clinging to the hem of Thy robe.
Therefore I beseech Thee, O Desire of the world, by this standing and sitting, that Thou make me steadfast in Thy remembrance and praise in such wise that the hosts of Thine enemies and the might of those who have denied Thy signs shall not frighten me.
I beseech Thee not to abandon me unto myself, and to strengthen me in all circumstances to remember Thee, to praise Thee, and to act according to what Thou hast commanded me in Thy Book.
Then grant me to drink from the Kawthar of Thy recognition and the Salsabil of Thy love, and cause me to be steadfast in Thy Cause in such wise that neither the oppressors among Thy creatures nor the rebellious among Thy servants shall keep me back from it.
O my Lord! Wilt Thou deny me after having called me, and keep me far after having drawn me nigh, and render me deprived after having taught me the scrolls of Thy bounty and the tablets of Thy grace?
O my Lord! Thou seest him who standeth at the gate of the city of Thy favor, and him who subsisteth, gazing toward Thy horizon. I beseech Thee to enable me to remember Thee and serve Thee, and to assist me in that which beseemeth Thy Manifestation and Thy days.
O Lord! I heard Thy call and turned toward Thee. I beseech Thee by the Dawning-Place of Thy verses, the Recipient of Thy Revelation, and the Source of Thy Command, to make me steadfast in Thy love, speaking forth Thy praise, and serving Thy chosen ones.
O my Lord! I beseech Thee by Thy Self to make me steadfast in Thy mighty Cause and to preserve me in all conditions from the accursed Satan.
I beseech Thee by the hearts that have been set ablaze with the fire of Thy love, and by the breasts that have been dilated through Thy verses, and by the faces that have turned toward Thy face, and by the tongues that have responded to Thy sweetest call when it was raised betwixt earth and heaven, to ordain for me from the ocean of Thy bounty that which befitteth Thy generosity, then send down upon me from the heaven of Thy grace that which will make me steadfast in Thy Cause and regardful in all conditions of the horizon of Thy good-pleasure.
'O God, O thou forgiving one! Shelter these homeless birds in the garden of fortitude and steadfastness upon the branches of the divine Lote Tree. … In the Cause of God may each one become as a manifest standard, and in steadfastness in the Covenant and Testament, may each be as a fortified stronghold.'
O handmaiden of God! Raise the hand of supplication and entreaty to the threshold of the All-Glorious and pray: "O peerless God! Grant me shelter beneath the shade of the Tree of Thy providence, and bestow upon me a dwelling and refuge in the shadow of the palm tree of hope. Sweeten my taste with the delicate, fresh-plucked fruit, and grant me firmness and steadfastness in Thy mighty Cause."
O Kind Lord! Make me firm and steadfast, make me upright, and make me an intimate companion in the gathering of mysteries.
O Lord! I have laid hold on the cord of Thy glory and clung to the hem of Thy might. Preserve me beneath the shadow of the Tree of Thy Cause and give me to drink, at every moment, the choice wine of Thy bestowals and favors, that I may remain steadfast in Thy love and firm in Thy Cause in such wise that the signs of them who have turned away from the Dawning-Place of Thy power and the Manifestation of Thy sovereignty may not disturb me.
I beseech Thee by Thy Most Great Name to make me in all conditions to hold fast to Thy cord and cling to Thy robe, to be set ablaze with the fire of Thy love and be attracted by the sweetness of Thy utterance.
I beseech Thee by the Name through which the trumpet was sounded and the dwellers of the graves arose, and through which Beauty was made manifest and the mountains were set in motion, to grant me the Kawthar of bounty from the hands of Thy favors and the choice wine of steadfastness through Thy grace and sovereignty. O my Lord! Assist me to serve Thy Cause and to arise for that whereby Thy Name may be exalted.
When thou hast drunk the choice wine of My utterance and found the fragrance of My loving-kindness, say:
"My God, my God! Thou seest Thy servant standing before the door of Thy grace, asking of Thee that which will draw him nigh unto Thee in all conditions. O my Lord! I beseech Thee by the pearls of the ocean of Thy wisdom and the mysteries hidden in Thy knowledge, to make me steadfast in Thy Cause in such wise that the doubts of them that have disbelieved in Thee and in Thy signs will not shake me. Verily, Thou art the All-Powerful, the Almighty."
I beseech Thee by Thy Name, the Self-Subsisting, through which Thou didst break the seal of Thy Choice Wine, to make me steadfast in Thy service, holding fast to Thy cord and clinging to the hem of Thy mercy.
Therefore, O my God, since Thou hast gathered me together through Thy Name, the Self-Subsisting, and hast raised me from the dust of the graves, and hast caused me to arise for the love of Thee, and hast made me taste the sweetness of Thy affection, I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which Thou hast unveiled the mysteries from the faces of the righteous, that Thou make me steadfast in Thy love and grant me Thy presence and honor me with the visit of Thy Beauty.
I beseech Thee by the sovereignty of Names to make me steadfast in Thy service, speaking Thy praise, holding fast to the cord of Thy grace, and standing firm in this Cause whereby the limbs of the people of Thy kingdom have trembled.
O Lord of all names! I beseech Thee by the Crimson Scroll and by the Ark which Thou hast specially ordained for the people of Baha, to assist me in all conditions to remember Thee, to praise Thee and to serve Thy Cause.
When thou hast drunk from the ocean of My utterance and beheld the lights of the Sun of My Revelation, say:
My God, my God! My hope is in Thy nearness and my desire is Thy good-pleasure. I beseech Thee by the movement of Thy Most Exalted Pen and the Finger of Thy Will, O Lord of all beings and Lord of the Throne on high and of the dust below, to make me steadfast in Thy Cause and firm in Thy love and detached from all else but Thee and speaking in Thy praise.
O my Lord! I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which the idols wailed and the horizons were illumined and the hearts of such servants as cast away the world, turning unto Thee, O Lord of eternity Who hath appeared with the Most Great Name, to ordain for me from the Pen of Thy will that which shall profit me in all the worlds of Thy worlds. O my Lord! I am Thy servant and the son of Thy servant. I desire from the wonders of Thy bounty that which shall make me steadfast in Thy Cause and detached from all else but Thee.
Do Thou clothe the hearts of Thy loved ones with the armor of steadfastness and assurance, that the arrows of the intimations of those who have disbelieved in the Sovereign of all creation may not affect them.
Hold thou fast to the Most Great Handle which none can break, and grasp the hem of the robe of grandeur.
O God! I beseech Thee by Thy Glory at its most glorious, and all Thy Glory is indeed glorious. O God! I beseech Thee by the whole of Thy Glory to make me steadfast in Thy Cause and in Thy love.
Take hold of the Book of God with the power that proceedeth from Him and say: I beseech Thee, O Creator of the heavens, by the ocean of Thy names and by Thy Name at Whose manifestation the dwellers of the earthly and heavenly kingdoms did prostrate themselves, to preserve me and strengthen me to remain steadfast in Thy Cause, the most mighty, ancient and all-glorious.
I beseech Thee to make me steadfast in Thy love in such wise that neither the might of princes nor the power of the powerful shall deter me.
I beseech Thee by the Ark of Thy Cause which sailed upon the sea of names through Thy will and power, to aid Thy male and female servants who have aimed for the ultimate goal and the supreme height to remain steadfast in Thy love and in the exaltation of Thy Cause.
I beseech Thee by the ocean of Thy verses and the manifestations of Thy grandeur amidst Thy creation, and by those whom the might of the people deterred not from the Daysprings of Thy Revelation and the Dawning-Places of Thine inspiration, to make me steadfast in Thy love and holding fast to the cord of Thy bounty. My Lord! Ordain for me of Thy generosity and munificence that which will make me independent of all else save Thee, and mighty among Thy creatures, and firm and immovable in Thy Cause.
Say: O my God and the Possessor of my heart! I beseech Thee by the Name through which the fire of love and affection was kindled amongst Thy servants, to make me enabled to serve Thee, speaking Thy praise, steadfast in Thy Cause, turning with my heart to the ocean of Thy good-pleasure, and soaring on the wings of detachment in the atmosphere of Thy will.
I beseech Thee once again, O Thou the Desire of the world and the Adored One of the nations, by Thy Most Great Name, the Most Glorious, to ordain for me the most great steadfastness whereby neither the oppression of Thy servants nor the tyranny of those who have disbelieved in Thy days and turned away from the horizon of Thy Revelation shall prevent me.
Say: O Fashioner of the heavens and Creator of names! I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which the sun of Thy grace hath shone forth from the horizon of the heaven of Thy Revelation and the ocean of Thy bounty hath surged amongst Thy creatures, to make me steadfast in Thy Cause and firm in the service of them who love Thee.
O my Lord! I beseech Thee by the station which Thou hast made the seat of Thy throne and by the lands which were reddened with the blood of Thy loved ones and by the neck which was adorned with the rope in Thy path, to assist me to such steadfastness as shall not be shaken by the doubts of the heedless ones nor the signs of the barking ones.
We beseech Thee by the lights of Thy countenance and the mysteries of Thy knowledge to aid us to be steadfast in Thy Cause, lest the doubts of the deniers and the hints of the barking ones cause us to slip.
I beseech Thee by Thy radiant and manifest light, and by Thy firm and mighty command, and by the places which were honored by Thy footsteps and the houses wherein arose Thy sighs, to make me steadfast, patient, speaking and standing firm in Thy days upon Thy Cause. Then make me unwavering in Thy love such that the books of the people and whatsoever they possess shall not prevent me from this Book which speaketh before all faces that there is no God but Him, the Single, the One, the Mighty, the Wondrous.
When thou hast inhaled the fragrance of My verses and attained unto My Book, say:
My God, my God! I beseech Thee by the Fire through which Thou didst manifest Thyself on the Mount of Knowledge unto the son of Imran, and by Thy Command whereby Thou didst subdue both men and lands, to aid me to remember Thee and serve Thy Cause in such wise that the clamor of the people of Thy kingdom and the opposition of Thy creation shall not hinder me. Verily Thou art the Powerful, the Strong, the All-Conquering, the Almighty.
Stand firm in the love of God and His Cause, and say: O my Lord! Sever me from all that keepeth me back from turning toward Thy beauty, then make me steadfast upon the path of Thy love in such wise that the souls of all the sinful idolaters shall not cause me to slip.
I beseech Thee by the pearls of the ocean of Thy knowledge and the lights of the suns of the heaven of Thy wisdom, and by the hands of Thy power and the manifestations of Thy sovereignty, to make me in all conditions a servant of Thy Cause, one who speaks of Thy remembrance and praise, and who stands firm in Thy path - the path which when it appeared caused the ways of the world to change and the limbs of the nations to tremble, except those whom the hands of Thy favor delivered.
Aid me to serve Thee in such wise that the clamor of those who have turned away from Thee and have been heedless of Thy sovereignty and have disputed Thy signs shall not deter me.
Hold thou fast unto the cord of God in such wise that neither the affairs of the world nor the multitude of armies shall prevent thee.
When thou attainest unto His verses and findest the fragrance of revelation from His manifestations, say: "My God, my God! Aid me to turn unto Thee and to be detached from all else but Thee. Then cause me to drink the wine of steadfastness from the hand of Thy bounty.
Say: My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having enabled me to recognize the Dawning-Place of Thy Revelation and the Dayspring of Thy verses, and guided me to Thy path. I beseech Thee by the lights of Thy throne and the manifestations of Thy power and the mysteries of Thy knowledge to make me steadfast in Thy love and firm in Thy Cause. Verily Thou art the Almighty, the All-Powerful, and worthy to grant this plea.
Hold fast to the hem of thy Lord's mercy and say:
O God of the world! I beseech Thee by the Most Great Name to make me in all conditions one who uttereth Thy praise, who taketh refuge in Thy presence, who seeketh protection at Thy threshold, who remaineth firm in Thy love and steadfast in Thy Cause.
I beseech Thee to assist me to preserve that which Thou hast given me through Thy bounty and grace - namely Thy love, which nothing in Thy kingdom of creation can equal.
I beseech Thee by Thy Prophets and Thy Messengers, and by Him through Whom Thou hast adorned the celestial spheres and through Whom the breezes of revelation were cut off, to make me in all conditions to hold fast unto Thy cord and cling to the hem of Thy robe, and to stand firm in the service of Thy Cause and be steadfast in Thy love.
I beseech Thee by the breathings of Thy revelation and the traces of Thy Pen to make me in all conditions steadfast in Thy love and standing firm in the service of Thy Cause with wisdom and utterance.
I beseech Thee, by the appearance of divine knowledge and by the waves of the ocean of Thine utterance, to ordain that I may, in all conditions, be moved to celebrate Thy praise and arise to serve Thy Cause with the wisdom Thou hast sent down in Thy Book.
O my Lord! Send down upon him from the heaven of Thy generosity that which will make him firm and steadfast, clinging and holding fast to Thy luminous hem and to Thy firm and mighty Cause.
We beseech Him, exalted be He, to aid thee and assist thee to serve Him, to transcribe His verses, to make mention of Him and praise Him, to stand firm in His mighty Cause.
We beseech Him, exalted be He, to strengthen thee in that which thou art engaged in, and to inspire thee at every moment with that which shall guide all who dwell in the realms of being to the Cause of thy Lord.
Say: Glory be to Thee, O my God! I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which earthquakes seized all the tribes of the earth save him who cast away all else behind him and made it the Sovereign of Names between earth and heaven, that Thou make me steadfast in Thy Cause, acknowledging Thy oneness and confessing Thy singleness, and clinging in all conditions to the hem of Thy pardon and favors.
Say: My God, my God! By Thy power, raise up one who will arise to serve Thy Cause in such wise that nothing whatsoever shall deter him, nor shall the might of potentates frighten him, nor shall the clamor of the powerful weaken him.
I beseech Thee, O Thou the Possessor of existence and the Educator of the seen and the unseen, to make me one of those who have aided Thy Cause and have arisen to serve Thee. Then ordain for me what Thou hast ordained for Thy trusted ones and Thy chosen ones.
Say: My God, my God! I am Thy servant and the son of Thy servant. I have turned with my whole being unto Thee. I beseech Thee by the breath of Thy Revelation, and by the Word wherewith Thou didst quicken Thy servants, and by the ocean of Thy knowledge and the heaven of Thy bounty, to make me in all conditions one who maketh mention of Thee and calleth out Thy Name and standeth firm in the service of Thy Cause. Verily Thou art powerful to do what Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the All-Merciful, the All-Bountiful.
I beseech Thee by Thy Name, the Self-Subsisting, through which the idols lamented, to make me steadfast in the service of Thy Cause, and speaking forth Thy praise, and gazing toward Thy horizon.
Say: O my God! I beseech Thee by the blood that was shed in Thy path and by the hearts that were melted in Thy love, to assist Thy loved ones to be steadfast in Thy Cause and to arise to serve Thee.
When thou hast drunk the choice wine of My utterance from the cups of My words, say: My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having guided me to the Dayspring of Thy Revelation, the Dawning-Place of Thy Cause and the Manifestation of Thy Self. I beseech Thee by the movement of Thy Most Exalted Pen and by Thy Finger, O Lord of all beings, to make me steadfast in this Cause whereby the limbs of all names have quaked and all things have proclaimed: The Kingdom belongeth unto God, the Lord of all Religions.
I beseech Thee by the lights of Thy countenance and the mysteries of Thy Book and the dawning-places of Thy revelation and the daysprings of Thy names, that Thou aid me to be steadfast in Thy Cause whereby the feet of the learned and the mystics have slipped save those whom the hand of Thy grace and favor hath delivered.
I beseech Thee, by the dwellings wherein Thy remembrance and praise have been raised, and by the cities wherein the throne of Thy grandeur hath been established, to ordain for me that which will make me steadfast in Thy Cause, such that neither the masses and multitudes would prevent me, nor the oppression of the aggressors and the tyranny of every sinful transgressor would frighten me.
Say: "My God, my God! I beseech Thee by the lights of Thy luminous countenance and by the denizens of the Most Exalted Paradise to ordain for me that which shall make me steadfast in Thy service, Thy remembrance, and Thy praise amongst Thy creatures.
Say:
My God, my God! This is Thy servant and the son of Thy handmaiden who desireth to drink the choice wine of revelation from the hands of Thy bounty. I beseech Thee by the fire of Thy love whereby all created things were set ablaze, to enable me to turn wholly unto Thee, detached from all else but Thee. O my Lord! Aid me to stand firm in Thy Cause, then write me down among Thy servants who believe in Thy unity.
O Lord! Thou seest the poor one hath sought the ultimate goal and the wronged one the manifestations of Thy justice, O Lord of all being and Sovereign of the throne on high and of the dust below. I beseech Thee to ordain for me that which shall make me steadfast in Thy Cause and firm in Thy love and acting according to what Thou hast sent down in Thy Books.
O 'Ali, say: O my God, praise be unto Thee in that Thou hast caused me to hear Thy most sweet call which hath been lifted up from Thy most exalted Horizon, and hast made me to know the ocean of Thy verses and the sun of Thy bounty. I beseech Thee, by the surging waves of the sea of Thy generosity and the showers of the cloud of Thy grace, to strengthen me to remain steadfast in Thy love. Thou, verily, art the All-Bounteous, the Most Generous.
O Lord! I beseech Thee by Thy tribulation and sorrow and imprisonment to ordain for me that which shall adorn me with the ornament of Thy love in all conditions.
Hold fast unto the cord of thy Lord's favoring grace and say:
O my God and the God of all created things, my Sovereign and the Sovereign of all contingent beings, my Creator and the Creator of all in the heavens and the earth! I beseech Thee by Thy signs whereby all things were seized with trembling, to aid me to serve Thy Cause in such wise that the means of earth and heaven shall not hinder me.
The breezes of Thy Revelation have so carried me away that I have turned toward Thy most exalted horizon, clinging to the cord of Thy grace, O Thou Lord of Names and Creator of heaven! I beseech Thee by Thy Cause to ordain for me through the Pen of Thy Command that which Thou didst ordain for Thy chosen ones who attained unto the Greater Steadfastness in such wise that the oppression of the world did not deter them, and they arose and proclaimed: "The Sovereign Lord hath come!
O my Lord! Thou knowest and seest that I have taken no helper for myself other than Thee, nor any supporter besides Thee. I beseech Thee, O Light of the world, by Thy Most Great Name through which the limbs of the nations trembled, to ordain for me from Thy Most Exalted Pen that which will draw me nigh unto Thee and cause me to enter the precincts of Thy glory.
When thou hast attained unto the Tablet, turn thy face toward the House and say:
O Lord of nations and Manifest One through the Most Great Name! I beseech Thee by the Most Exalted Word, which Thou hast made the conclusive utterance in the kingdom of creation, to render me in all conditions one who gazeth toward Thy horizon, who standeth firm, who speaketh in Thy remembrance and in service to Thy Cause.
Say: Thine be the glory, O Lord of Names and Creator of earth and heaven! I testify that Thou wast ever powerful and self-subsisting and wilt continue to be as Thou hast been from time immemorial. Nothing can prevent Thy self-subsistence. I beseech Thee by Thy Great Name to make me one who uttereth Thy remembrance and calleth out Thy Name and turneth in all conditions unto Thyself.
I beseech Thee by this Promised One, through Whom Thou hast fulfilled Thy promise, manifested Thy sovereignty, and revealed that which lay hidden in Thy knowledge, to aid me to serve Thy Cause and to arise in service to Thy loved ones.
I beseech Thee to aid me in Thy remembrance and praise and in the service of Thy Cause in such wise that the hosts of every one who hath denied Thy right in the Hereafter shall not deter me.
Say: O my God! Praise be unto Thee for having made known unto me the Dawning-Place of Thy Revelation and the Dayspring of Thy inspiration. I beseech Thee to assist me to serve Him at all times.
If thou attainest unto it and perceivest the fragrance of the utterance of the All-Merciful, say: I beseech Thee, O Lord of earth and heaven and Creator of all things, by Thy Most Great Name, whereby the hearts of the nations were stirred up, to ordain for me the good of this world and the next. Then make me steadfast in Thy Cause, O Lord of all being, and firm in Thy service amidst Thy servants, and speaking forth Thy praise in Thy lands.
O my Lord! I beseech Thee by the Kawthar of Thy utterance and the exaltation of Thy Word and Thy standing before the faces of Thine enemies, to make me steadfast in Thy remembrance and praise amongst Thy servants.
I beseech Thee by the waves of the ocean of Thy knowledge and the stars of the heaven of Thy utterance to aid me in Thy remembrance and praise in such wise that neither the might of the world nor the tumult of the nations shall deter me.
Say: My God, my God! Thou seest me turning toward Thee and turning away from all else beside Thee. I beseech Thee by the light whereby the horizons of the heaven of Thy bounty were illumined, and by the fire that hath spoken forth through Thy command and will amongst Thy servants, to assist me in that which Thou lovest and art pleased with. Then ordain for me through Thy generosity and grace that which will make me in all times speak in remembrance of Thee and stand firm in Thy Cause.
Say: Glory be unto Thee, O my God! I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which the fountains of Thy wisdom gushed forth amongst Thy creatures, to make me steadfast in Thy Cause, speaking Thy praise and remembrance, and standing firm in Thy service in such wise that neither the clamor of the divines nor the commotion of the wicked may deter me. Then ordain for me, O my God, that which Thou hast ordained for Thy chosen ones.
O Lord! Thou seest me clinging to Thee and to that which hath appeared from Thee. I beseech Thee to assist me in all conditions to remember Thee and to remember those who have circled round Thy Most Great Cause and Thy Mighty Announcement.
Then draw them, O my God, through Thy Most Exalted Word to the Supreme Horizon in such wise that neither the oppression of the peoples nor the opposition of the learned shall dismay them.
I beseech Thee by the Sun of Thy Cause and the heaven of Thy grace, and by Thy loved ones who have circled round Thee and sacrificed their spirits in Thy days, to aid Thy loved ones with patience from Thee and steadfastness from Thy presence.
Say: Glory be unto Thee, O King of Kings and the Merciful unto all who are possessed of kingship! I beseech Thee by the Word through which Thou didst subdue the world and summon the nations, to confirm me in steadfastness in Thy Cause and in holding fast unto the cord of Thy love.
My God, my God! I am a servant who hath believed in Thee and in Thy signs, who hath turned his face toward the countenance of Thy most exalted Beauty, who hath devoted his face to Thy most glorious Kingdom, who hath held fast to the sure handle, who hath clung to the hem of the robe of grandeur, who hath stood firm in Thy resplendent Law, and who hath remained steadfast in Thy mighty Covenant which Thou didst take beneath the shade of the Tree of Paradise.
Keep me firm and steadfast in Your Covenant and Pact and make me unwavering in Your Testament and Faith, for the winds of test are severe and the tempest of trial raises dust. O God, make me steadfast! O God, make me firmly rooted! O God, preserve and protect me, and make me favored and secure! You are the Powerful and Mighty, and You are the Peerless and Incomparable Protector."
O Lord! Purify the hearts, remove the sorrows, forgive the sins, and make me sincere before Thy generous countenance, passionate for Thy manifest beauty, clinging to Thy strong cord, holding fast to Thy ancient covenant, firm and steadfast in Thy mighty testament, walking upon the straight path, and pure before Thy generous countenance, sincere in religion.
O Lord! Make them Thy greatest signs and Thy manifest banners in the highest heaven, and armies arrayed for the fortress of the Covenant, and a mighty host for the stronghold of the pledge and faithfulness. They shoot the arrows of great steadfastness at the people of hypocrisy and repel the people of violation with the whips of firmness and constancy before all.
O Lord! Assist this servant to remain firm in Thy Covenant and steadfast in Thy testament, O Thou the Lord of the Day of Separation!
O Lord! Make firm their feet upon Thy straight path, and guide them along the right way. Verily, Thou art the All-Bountiful, Thou art the Most Merciful, Thou art the Ancient, the Compassionate, the All-Kind.
O Lord! Strengthen their loins and fortify their backs in servitude at Thy mighty threshold and in worship of Thee night and day, and in fellowship with Thy loved ones evening and morn.
Rejoice in what hath been sent down to you from My Most Exalted Pen before and at this time, and say: O God of Names and Creator of Heaven! We beseech Thee to grant us steadfastness in Thy Cause and firmness and constancy in Thy Mighty Message, whereby the limbs of the nations have trembled and the pillars of the world have quaked, save those rescued by the hand of Thy grace and the arm of Thy power.
I beseech Thee, O Lord of eternity and Educator of the nations, to make us of them who have stood firm in Thy Cause, who have been illumined by the horizon of Thy Will, who have drunk the Salsabil of power from the hands of Thy bounty, and who have appeared through Thy Name and Thy sovereignty in such wise that neither the howling of the enemies hath prevented them from Thy mention and praise, nor the opposition of the wicked from turning to the city of Thy Command and the treasury of Thy names.
Deprive us not, O our God, of the fragrances of Thy sanctity, then make us steadfast in Thy Cause, establish for us a truthful station with Thee, and grant us from Thy presence mercy, and join us with those servants of Thine who soar on the wings of glory in the atmosphere of holiness.
I beseech Thee that Thou withhold not from us that which is with Thee and ordain for us what Thou hast ordained for Thy chosen servants who have laid down their lives in Thy path, O Thou Who art the Lord of all names!
Say: Glory be unto Thee, O my God! Thou seest me clinging to the cord of Thy bounty and holding fast to the hem of Thy grace. I beseech Thee by the waves of the ocean of Thy utterance and the effulgences of the Orb of Thy proof to number me with such as were not held back by swords from drawing nigh unto Thee, nor by cannons from turning toward the lights of Thy countenance.
We beseech Thee by the mysteries of Thy Book and the fruits of the Tree of Thy utterance, and by the waves of the ocean of Thy Most Great Name, and by the lights of the morn of Thy Revelation, O Lord of Eternity, to make us steadfast in Thee and in that which hath appeared from Thee. O Lord! Leave us not to ourselves. Take the hands of Thy servants with the hands of Thy power, then preserve them from Thine enemies.
O Lord! Thou seest them clinging to the cord of Thy obedience and holding fast to the hem of the robe of Thy mercy. They have turned with their all unto Thee and desire to act according to what Thou hast commanded them in Thy Scriptures and Thy Tablets and Thy Books.
O Lord! Thou seest one of Thy handmaidens and another handmaiden of Thine who have turned unto Thee and desired to carry out what Thou hast commanded them in Thy Book. Ordain for her that which will make her steadfast in Thy love, then accept her deed.
O my Lord! Aid me to perform such deeds as may be adorned with the ornament of Thy acceptance. Then ordain for me through Thy power that which shall draw me nigh unto Thee in all conditions.
O Lord! Make their hearts steadfast in Thy love amidst humanity, illumine their eyes with witnessing Thy effulgent lights from the highest horizon, perpetuate these blessings upon them, and deprive them not of that which Thou hast ordained for pure souls, the angels of the exalted sphere.
O Lord! Assist the Afnans to serve Thy Cause, enable them to be servants at Thy Threshold, make their faces sincere before Thy Face, make their hearts firm in Thy Covenant, preserve them in the cave of Thy protection and shelter, guard them beneath the shadow of the wing of Thy preservation and safekeeping, and make them a source of prosperity and success among Thy creation, that they may be adorned with the raiment of perfection and shine forth with the lights of steadfastness in the Covenant among Thy loved ones.
My God, my God! This is a servant who hath been attracted by Thy call, hath responded to Thy summons, hath believed in Thee and in Thy signs, hath testified to Thy words, and hath acknowledged and recognized Thy beauty. O Lord! Make him steadfast in Thy Covenant, cause him to speak Thy praise, and enable him to hold fast to Thy Testament. Verily, Thou art the Helper, the Mighty.
When you attain the choice wine of My utterance and the intoxication of the Kawthar of My bounty takes hold of you, say:
Glorified art Thou, O my God! … I beseech Thee by the tears of the sincere ones and the sighs of them that are nigh unto Thee in their separation from Thee, to aid me to stand firm with such steadfastness as cannot be shaken by the doubts of the doubters nor the cawing of the crows, and to enable me to serve Thy Cause with wisdom and utterance.
When thou dost inhale the sweet-scented breezes of the All-Merciful's utterance, arise, detached from all else but God, turning unto the Station and say:
"My God, my God! I beseech Thee by the lights of Thy Countenance, and the pearls of the ocean of Thy knowledge, and the mysteries of Thy Book, to aid me in all conditions to serve Thee and to serve Thy loved ones.
O Lord! Aid us to remember and praise Thee and to do as Thou hast commanded us in Thy Tablets. … I beseech Thee to assist us in that which Thou hast commanded us outwardly in Thy Book; then ordain for us what befitteth our relationship to Thee.
Then make me, O my God, of those who have attained unto the Kawthar of steadfastness, whereby nothing among all things prevented them from turning unto Thee, O Lord of Names and Creator of heaven!
Say: Glory be to Thee, O my Lord, my God, my Goal and my Beloved! I beseech Thee by the Manifestation of Thyself, the Dayspring of Thy verses and the Source of Thy power, to make this servant of Thine steadfast in Thy love and Thy Cause.
I beseech Thee by Thy Most Exalted Word, which Thou hast made a light unto Thy loved ones and a fire unto Thine enemies, and by the mysteries concealed within Thy knowledge, and by the rustling of the Sadratu'l-Muntaha, and by the shrill voice of Thy Most Exalted Pen, to ordain for me through Thy bounty and generosity that which will make me a helper of Thy Cause and an aid to Thy loved ones, and steadfast and firm in Thy love, such that the doubts of every froward oppressor and every remote tyrant will not prevent me.
Say: Glory be unto Thee, O God of existence and Lord of the seen and unseen! I beseech Thee by the Word whereby Thou hast distinguished between Thy loved ones and Thine enemies, to make me steadfast in Thy love and speaking in Thy praise.
Say: O God of kings and the Merciful One to the servants and the Ruler of the Kingdom! I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which the rains were caused to fall and the seas to surge and the trees to speak, that Thou assist me to be steadfast in this Cause which, when it was revealed, caused feet to slip.
Say: Glory be unto Thee, O my God and the God of all, the Sender of the Messengers and the Revealer of the Books! I beseech Thee by the lights of Thy countenance that Thou disappoint me not from steadfastness and from that which is with Thee.
O my God! Illumine the eyes of hearts with the light of Thy countenance, O Beloved, then make them steadfast in Thy Cause - verily Thou art the Mighty, the All-Forgiving - and firm in such wise that the cawing of those who claim what hath not been ordained for them in the Book will not disturb them.
O Ali, say: O my God and my Lord! I beseech Thee by Thy Name, and by Thy Cause, and by Thy might, and by Thy power, and by Thy sovereignty, and by Thy greatness, and by Thy dominion, and by Thy majesty, that Thou aid me to remain steadfast in Thy Cause in such wise that neither the oppression of the wicked ones nor the clamor of the enemies shall hold me back.
I beseech Thee by the Dayspring of Thy Cause, the Dawning-Place of Thy Revelation and the Ocean of Thy knowledge to ordain for this handmaiden of Thine that which shall aid her to remain steadfast in Thy Cause.
I beseech Thee by the rivers of Thy most exalted Paradise, and the manifestations of Thy favor in the supreme Heaven, and by the waves of the ocean of Thy bounty and the revelations of the Day-Star of Thy generosity, to make this handmaiden of Thine steadfast in Thy Cause and speaking Thy praise and glorification.
I beseech Thee to make me steadfast in Thy love and Thy Cause. O my Lord! Thou seest Thy handmaiden clinging to the cord of Thy bounty and holding fast to the hem of the robe of Thy mercy.
O Lord! These two who are related to him - confirm them in steadfastness in Your Covenant and Testament, enable them to obey Your command, and make them sincere in Your religion.
Through Your grace and 'He singles out for His mercy whomsoever He pleases', You made these two handmaidens related to that dear one of the Egypt of martyrdom and placed the crown of glory upon their heads. Therefore, O Kind God, keep us firm and steadfast in the Covenant and Testament that we may become the cause of his joy and delight.
And thou, give thanks to God, thy Lord, for having been blessed with this kinship which the denizens of the Supreme Concourse take pride in, and say: "My Lord! Aid me to remain steadfast as Thou didst aid my brother to remain steadfast.
Through the pure and special favors of His Holiness the Self-Subsisting One (may my spirit be a sacrifice for His loved ones), I beseech confirmation of steadfastness and firmness, and protection from trials and tests.
I beseech Thee by the breathings of Thy Revelation and the manifestations of Thy sovereignty in Thy lands to send down upon me from the heaven of Thy bounty and generosity that which will make me steadfast in Thy love, firm in Thy service, and vocal in Thy praise.
Say: My God, my God! Thou seest me turning toward the lights of Thy countenance. I beseech Thee by the outpourings of Thy days and the fragrances of Thy utterance, and by Thy Name through which Thou hast subdued the kingdom of earth and heaven, to make me steadfast in Thy love and content with whatsoever hath flowed from the Pen of Thy decree. Enable me, O my God, to serve Thy Cause, then write down for me through Thy bounty and grace that which shall profit me.
O my Lord! Thy handmaiden hath stood before the door of Thy bounty. I beseech Thee not to deprive her, through Thy grace and favor, of that which she seeketh, for through Thy loving-kindness I have recognized the greatness and sovereignty of Thy Cause. O my Lord! I am Thy weak handmaiden who hath sought refuge in Thee, and Thou art the Almighty, the All-Bountiful.
I beseech Thee to make me one of those steadfast handmaidens whom the affairs of creation have not prevented from turning unto Thee. Verily, Thou art the All-Hearing, the Answerer of prayers. Verily, Thou art the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
I beseech Thee, O my Lord, by Him Who sacrificed Himself for the exaltation of Thy Word and the manifestation of Thy Cause, to make me in all conditions hold fast unto the cord of Thy bounty and cling to the hem of the robe of Thy mercy.
I beseech Thee by Thy Self and by them who have offered up their souls in Thy path to aid this handmaiden of Thine to make mention of Thee and to extol Thee among Thy handmaidens, and to make her steadfast in Thy Cause.
Say: Praise be to Thee, O my God, for having enabled me to turn toward Thee when most of Thy creatures turned away from Thee. O my Lord! Thou seest me turning toward Thee and clinging to Thy cord. Ordain for me that which befitteth the heaven of Thy bounty and the ocean of Thy bestowal. Verily Thou art the Compassionate, the Generous. There is no God but Thee, the Forgiving, the Merciful.
I beseech Thee by the letters of Thy Book and by the Ha through which Thou didst manifest the station of pure Identity, to make me patient in the occasions of Thy decree and steadfast when the tempestuous winds blow.
O Lutfullah! God willing, may you be occupied with the remembrance of God, exalted be His glory, throughout the nights and days, in such wise that the affairs of the world shall not make you heedless of the Most Great Cause. … Say: My God! I beseech Thee by Thy signs and Thy clear tokens to make me in all conditions hold fast unto Thee and gaze toward Thy horizon.
Thus one must supplicate and implore God at all times that one may remain steadfast under tests and patient under calamities.
My God, my God! Thou seest me taking refuge in Thy mighty shelter, seeking asylum in Thy lofty sanctuary, clinging to Thy strong pillar, and beseeching Thy glorious Kingdom to ordain for Thy servants beautiful patience in facing calamities, trials, afflictions and tribulations in Thy straight path.
O Lord! Pour out upon me patience in this tribulation, make firm my footsteps upon Thy path, illumine my countenance with the light that hath shone forth from the Dayspring of Thy mercy, give me to drink from the cup that overfloweth with the water of Thy grace, kindle within my heart the fire of Thy love, and occupy me with Thy remembrance until I forget all else but Thee and turn my face toward Thy gracious countenance.
O my God! O my God! These are servants whom no blame of any blamer hath deterred, no oppressor's power hath prevented, no veils of the heedless have kept from gazing upon Thee and sacrificing their spirits before Thee and placing their trust in Thee. Rather, whenever the fires of torment blazed fiercer, they found them as sweet water in Thy path, and whenever the winds of tests blew more severely, they increased in steadfastness and firmness in Thy Cause.
O Mihdi! The Wronged One hath made mention of thee with such mention as cannot be equaled by all the bounties of the world and whatsoever is seen therein. Verily thy Lord is the True One, the Faithful. They that have wronged thee and commanded thy imprisonment - these have no portion in the Book of God, the Possessor of this luminous Day. Thou hast attained unto that which none hath attained except whom God, thy Lord, the All-Merciful, the Most Compassionate, hath willed.
O Lord! Make me steadfast in Thy Cause and firm in Thy love in such wise that tribulations may not prevent me from turning toward Thy direction, O Thou in Whose hand are the names.
I beseech Thee to make me steadfast in Thy love and firm in Thy Cause in such wise that neither the hosts nor the ranks nor the tyrants and Pharaohs of the earth shall prevent me.
O my Lord! Thou seest my turning towards Thy horizon and my orientation towards the lights of Thy countenance. I beseech Thee not to withhold from me that which Thou hast ordained for Thy chosen ones, whom neither the swords of the enemies could prevent from turning to Thy Most Exalted Horizon, nor the clamor of the divines from Thy mention, O Thou Who art the King of earth and heaven, and Lord of the Hereafter and of the former days.
When thou hearest My sweetest call and the sound of My Most Exalted Pen from the prison of 'Akka, say: My God, my God! Thou seest the Wronged One among His enemies. I beseech Thee by Thy sovereignty that hath subdued the names, to make me steadfast in Thy Cause, and speaking in Thy praise, and arising to serve Thy loved ones. Then open before my face the door of Thy mercy.
Then hear what hath been raised from this Most Sublime Horizon and say: O Lord of Names and Creator of Heaven! I beseech Thee by the cries of those near unto Thee in their separation from Thee, and the lamentations of the sincere ones in Thy days, and by the ocean of Thy verses and the dawning-place of Thy revelation and inspiration, to strengthen me in such steadfastness as shall not be shaken by the hosts of the heedless nor the ranks of the oppressors.
O my Lord! Thou knowest that I have turned towards Thee and hastened to the place wherein He Who is the Manifestation of Thy Self, the Dawning-Place of Thy verses and the Dayspring of Thy evidences was imprisoned. … I beseech Thee, O Thou Who art the Ultimate Hope of the sincere ones and the Beloved of the hearts of the lovers, to aid me in serving Thee and in promoting Thy Cause amongst Thy servants and creatures, and to make me one of those who have partaken of the wine of steadfastness and assurance and have attained unto that which Thou didst desire for them, O Thou Who art the Lord of Religions and the Creator of the worlds.
I beseech Thee by the lights of Thy countenance and the mysteries of the ocean of Thy knowledge to confirm me in such steadfastness as shall not be prevented by the doubts of the learned nor the signs of the divines nor the power of rulers.
O my God, my God! The Wronged One makes mention of Thee before Thy chosen ones and Thy loved ones, and beseeches Thee by the power of Thy Most Exalted Pen, whereby Thou hast subdued the kingdom of names and all who dwell in the realm of creation, to aid us to remain steadfast in Thy Cause in such wise as to make the limbs of them that raise the cry of denial among Thine enemies to quake--they who have cast the Book of God behind their backs, clinging to their own idle fancies and vain imaginings.
O my Lord! Make me steadfast, then, in Thy love and establish me in Thy Cause in such wise that should Thy servants who are veiled by learning from Thy Self-Subsisting Name oppose me, their opposition to Thee and their turning away from Thee would not disturb me.
O Lord! I beseech Thee by the imprisonment of Him Who is the Manifestation of Thy signs, and by His exile and sorrow and tribulation, to bestow through Thy bounty upon all who have been tried in Thy name that which shall make them steadfast in Thy Cause and abiding through the perpetuity of Thy kingdom and dominion.
I beseech Thee, O King of Kings and Merciful Lord of all who are possessed, by Thy Command through which Thou hast subdued the kingdom of earth and heaven, to assist them to achieve the Most Great Steadfastness, whereby nothing in all the world of creation shall prevent them from drawing nigh unto Thee.
O My handmaiden! By God, at all times doth the Tongue of God give utterance to verses of grief, whereas the oceans of life should be flowing in recognition of My All-Merciful Self. Therefore, the curse of God be upon those who have wronged Me without clear proof or an illuminating Book. And thou, remember thy Lord, then be devoutly obedient, that thou mayest be accounted among those who remember, recorded by the Pen of God.
O Lord! O Cleaver of the dawn, Quickener of spirits, and Creator of forms! All doors are closed to me save the door of Your mercy, and all paths are cut off except the path of Your bounty.
… Rather, I beseech You with all humility and supplication: Increase, O my God, my tribulation in Your path, and ordain for me every affliction in Your love, and let me drink the cup of the greatest adversity, and taste the honey of the supreme ordeal, and cast me into the darkest prisons under chains and fetters out of love for Your beauty, passion for Your countenance and desire for Your good-pleasure.
O Lord, O Lord! Give them to drink from the cups of joy in the first life, intoxicate them with the choice wine of bounty in the next life, and make them signs of guidance, lamps of righteousness, and angels of heaven.
Now therefore I will pray for you and you must pray for me, "O Baha'u'llah! This is Abdul-Baha! Confirm Abdul-Baha in Thy Threshold! Strengthen him in loyalty to Thee! Make him self-sacrificing! Make him homeless, and without rest! Fill his heart with Thy love, so he will forget all else save Thee,--seeking no other comfort, grace, health or life, and sacrificing all for Thee!"
I beseech Thee by the leaves of the Tree of Thy knowledge, and the fruits of the Tree of Thine utterance, and the cooing of the doves of Thy remembrance in Thy lands, and the warbling of the nightingales of Thy love in Thy dominion, to assist Thy loved ones to stand firm in Thy Cause, to hold fast to the cord of Thy bounty, and to cling to the hem of Thy grace in such wise that the oppression of the aggressive ones in Thy days shall not deter them, nor shall the doings of the wrongdoers prevent them from turning toward Thy horizon.
I beseech Thee by Thy power that hath encompassed all created things, and by Thy Command that hath surrounded all contingent beings, and by Thy Name whereby every mouldering bone was quickened and every wise decree was manifested, to make me steadfast in Thy Cause and firm in Thy love, in such wise that the swords of the world shall not withhold me from drawing nigh unto Thy Most Great Name.
I beseech Thee, O Beloved of the worlds and Lord of the nations, by Thy Name through which the spirit of life was breathed into all possibility, to assist me to be steadfast in Thy Cause in such wise that the imaginings of the idolaters among Thy creatures shall not hinder me.
Beseech thou God to make thee steadfast in that wherein thou art, for this is a station greater than every station and mightier than every mighty thing.
I beseech Thee, O Lord of the worlds and King of eternity, by the Most Great Name, to make me in all conditions hold fast to Thy cord and cling to the hem of the robe of Thy bounty and generosity, speaking Thy praise among Thy servants such that neither the might of the oppressors nor the power of the aggressive ones may weaken me.
Say: My God, my God! I have turned toward Thee, holding fast to the cord of Thy bounty and clinging to the hem of Thy generosity. I beseech Thee by the waves of the ocean of Thy bestowals and by the Dawning-places of Thy revelation and inspiration, to make me steadfast in Thy love and firm in Thy Cause.
O my Lord! I beseech Thee by the kingdom of Thy beauty and the dominion of Thy glory, and by Thy power before the manifestation of which the people of Thy realm and Thy dominion have bowed down, to ordain for me that which shall make me steadfast in Thy Cause, firm in Thy love, standing in Thy service, and acting according to that which Thou hast commanded me in Thy Book.
I beseech You, O Goal of the world and Beloved of the nations, by the rustling of Your Sacred Tree, and the stirring of the breezes of the springtime of Your mercy, and the murmuring of the Fountain of Your knowledge in Your paradise, to ordain for me that which will keep me steadfast in Your remembrance and praise, such that the oppression of any oppressor and the clamor of those who have disbelieved in You and denied Your proof and evidence and turned away from meeting You will not prevent me.
Say: My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having remembered me in the prison when I was in the hands of the aggressive ones among Thy creatures. I beseech Thee, O Thou Who controlleth the winds and Who causeth the dawn to break, by Thy command through which Thou didst open the gates of bounty unto all nations, to assist me to serve Thy Cause in such wise that nothing whatsoever may prevent me, O Thou Lord of all beings and Sovereign of the kingdom of names.
When you receive My letter, arise and say:
"My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having given me to drink from the Kawthar of Thy knowledge and for causing me to hear Thy call and for making known to me that which most of Thy creatures have turned away from. I beseech Thee by the breezes of Thy Revelation and the manifestations of Thy power and the evidences of Thy sovereignty to make me in all conditions turned toward Thee and detached from Thine enemies.
I beseech Thee by Thyself and by Thy chosen ones to assist me to be steadfast in Thy Cause in such wise that names shall not hold me back from Thy Most Great Name, nor shall the might of the oppressors prevent me from turning to Thee and drawing near to the gate of Thy bounty.
I beseech Thee by them who hastened to the field of martyrdom, yearning to attain Thy presence, and by the blood that hath been shed in Thy path, and by the heads that were raised upon spears for love of Thee and Thy good-pleasure, and by the hearts that were consumed in separation from Thee, and by Thy Most Great Name through which Thou hast distinguished between Thy servants and Thy creatures, that Thou make me steadfast in Thy love and content with Thy good-pleasure and a helper to Thy Cause. Make me so firm that should all mankind oppose Thee, I would arise by myself to exalt Thy Cause and manifest Thy bounty.
I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which the limbs of all names trembled and the foundations of earth and heaven were shaken, to make me steadfast in Thy service and turned toward Thy horizon. O Lord! I beseech Thee by Thy bounty to give me to drink, from Thy generous and gracious hands, the Kawthar of steadfastness.
O Lord! Thou seest the evanescent one seeking the door of Thy mercy, and the thirsty one turning toward the ocean of Thy bounty. I beseech Thee not to withhold from him the wondrous tokens of Thy generosity, grace and favors. Accept then from him that which he hath desired in Thy path.
I beseech Thee to make me steadfast in Thy love and remembrance, and this is what lies within my power.
Glory be unto Thee, O my God! I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which the Bayan was sent down in Thy remembrance and praise, that Thou protect me beneath the shadow of the cloud of Thy supreme mercy and the canopy of Thy bounty that hath encompassed all things. Then make me steadfast in this Cause which hath caused the denizens of the Kingdom of Names to tremble.
I beseech Thee, O Creator of existence, to make me steadfast upon Thy extended path, then cause me to speak Thy praise amongst the people of Thy kingdom in such wise that the veils of those who have disbelieved in Thee, O my Lord, the Mighty, the All-Loving, shall not hinder me.
Say: Glory be to Thee, O my God! I beseech Thee by the wafting of the breezes of Thy grace over all created things, and by the manifestation of Thy Most Great Name upon the Daysprings of Thy names and attributes, to make me steadfast in Thy Cause and detached from Thine enemies. Then ordain for me, through the Pen of Destiny, union with Thee and the attainment of Thy presence in every world of Thy worlds.
O my Lord! Ordain for me a seat of truth with Thee and decree for me that which shall cause me to endure through the endurance of Thy Kingdom. Verily, Thou art the Almighty, the Forgiver, the Merciful.
Blessed is he who hath cast away the dawning-places of idle fancies and taken that which he was bidden by God, the Goal of the sincere ones. My God, my God! Strengthen the hearts of Thy loved ones lest the opposers prevent them from turning to the court of Thy might and the carpet of Thy bounty. O Lord! Aid Thy loved ones to hold fast to the cord of Thy grace and to detach themselves from all else besides Thee. Verily, Thou art the Mighty, the Unconstrained.
I beseech Thee, O Fashioner of the world and Educator of the nations, Who art seated upon Thy most great throne, to make me steadfast in Thy love and firm in Thy Cause in such wise that neither the books of the world shall mislead me nor the doubts of the nations cause me to slip.
O my Lord! Aid me to be so steadfast that the veils of the ignorant ones and the allusions of the clamorous ones shall not prevent me. O my Lord! I am Thy servant and the son of Thy servant. I beseech Thee by Thy bounty that hath encompassed existence and by the light of Thy Cause whereby hearts and minds have been illumined, to make me steadfast in Thy love, firm in Thy Cause, established in Thy praise and unwavering in Thy remembrance.
O Lord! Make me steadfast in Thy love and firm in Thy Cause in such wise that my feet shall not slip even though all created things should oppose me.
I beseech Thee by Thy radiant countenance, by Thy dark flowing locks, and by Thy sweetest utterance, to make me steadfast in Thy Cause and ordain for me through Thy Most Exalted Pen the good of this world and the world to come.
When you find the fragrance of My loving-kindness and attain unto My Tablet, arise and say: I beseech Thee, O God of Names and Creator of heaven, to make me among those whom the cawing of Thine enemies has not kept back from Thy love, and whom the threatening of the wicked has not frightened in Thy days.
I beseech Thee, O Beloved of the worlds and Desire of them that have recognized Thee, to make me among those who have stood firm in Thy love, who have spoken Thy praise, who have held fast to the cord of Thy Cause, and who have clung to the hem of Thy mercy.
O Lord! Ordain for us what Thou hast ordained for Thy chosen ones, then grant us the Kawthar of steadfastness in this Cause wherein the feet of Thy creatures have slipped and the hearts of those in Thy realms were shaken, save those who dwelt beneath the canopies of Thy mercy.
Say: My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having guided me unto Thy path and caused me to hear Thy call in Thy days. I beseech Thee by the ocean of Thy verses and the mysteries of Thy Book to aid me in that which will cause the fragrance of Thy good-pleasure to be diffused. Verily Thou art the Omnipotent over what Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the All-Bountiful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
Say: O my God! I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which the dead were raised up, to withhold me not from the ocean of Thy grace and bounty, and leave me not to myself in Thy days. Then make me steadfast in Thy love in such wise that the veils of them that have disbelieved and the allusions of the heedless keep me not back.
Say:
My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having made clear unto me Thy path, and revealed unto me Thy proof, and guided me unto Thy testimony, and given me to drink from the cup of Thy utterance. I beseech Thee, O God of Names and Creator of heaven, to make me of those whom the world hath not kept back from turning toward Thy most exalted horizon, and whom the ornaments of earth have not prevented from drawing nigh unto Thee, O Lord of all beings and Ruler of the throne above and the dust beneath.
I beseech Thee, O Sovereign of earth and heaven, by this Wronged One Who is imprisoned in the fortress of Akka, to make me steadfast in Thy Cause.
Say:
My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having illumined mine eyes with the lights of Thy utterance and honored mine ears with hearkening to Thy call and strengthened my hands to take hold of Thy Book and adorned my heart with the radiance of Thy knowledge. I beseech Thee to make me steadfast in Thy Cause and vocal in Thy praise. Verily Thou art the All-Powerful, the Almighty, and worthy to grant this prayer.
I beseech Thee by the mysteries of Thy Book and the pearls of the ocean of Thy bounty to make me steadfast in Thy service and vocal in Thy praise. O my Lord! Thou seest the weary one making for the kingdom of Thy utterance, the sightless one for the heaven of Thy knowledge, and the feeble one for the horizon of Thy power. I beseech Thee, O God of the world and Speaker amongst the nations, by Thy grace and Thy hosts, and by Thy might and Thy grandeur, to make me in all conditions firm in Thy Cause and steadfast in Thy love.
O Yahya! Take hold of the Book of God with the hand of submission and certitude, despite those who cast it behind their backs, and say: My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having strengthened me, caused me to recognize Thee, called me to Thy mighty announcement, and guided me to Thy straight path.
I beseech Thee, O Lord of the kingdom of earth and heaven and Sovereign of the realm of might, by Thy command through which Thou hast subdued the world, to make me in all conditions steadfast in Thy Cause, firm in Thy love, and speaking Thy praise amongst Thy servants.
When thou hast attained unto My Tablet and found My fragrance, say:
My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having guided me, made me to know Thee, given me to drink, and taught me. I beseech Thee by the lamentation of the lovers and the cry of them that are nigh unto Thee in their separation and remoteness from Thee, to make me steadfast in Thy Cause in such wise that neither the hosts of doubts nor the intimations of those who have disbelieved in the Day of Judgment shall keep me back.
Let them persevere in this prayer: Say:
Glorified art Thou, O my God, my Purpose, my Hope and my Beloved! Verily the sweet-scented breezes of Thy Revelation have drawn me to the horizon of Thy favors, and the fragrances of Thine inspiration have turned me toward the realm of Thy bestowals, and the call from the Dayspring of Thy Cause hath awakened me in Thy days. Therefore, O my God, I have turned to Thee with my whole being, detached from all else but Thee, and standing before the door of Thy grace which Thou hast opened to all who are in earth and heaven.
When thou art warmed by the heat of My utterance and attracted by the cooing of the Dove of My Paradise, say: "My God, my God! I testify that Thy proof hath encompassed all things, and Thy evidence and Thy testimony have appeared, and the ocean of Thy knowledge hath surged, and the sun of Thy wisdom hath shone forth. I beseech Thee by the hidden mysteries in Thy Books to assist this servant of Thine to be steadfast in Thy love in such wise that neither the clamor of Thy servants nor the whisperings of the divines of Thy land shall prevent him.
I beseech Thee, O Lord of the worlds and King of eternity, by the fragrant breezes of Thy verses and the lights of the dawn of Thy Manifestation, and by Thy breezes through which the dwellers of the graves arose, and by Thy signs through which was revealed the decree of resurrection and the trump was blown, to make me steadfast in Thy remembrance and praise, firm in Thy love, seeking refuge in Thy presence, and clinging to the hem of the robe of Thy grace.
O Lord! Make my feet steadfast in Thy Cause, then make mine eyes expectant for the wonders of Thy care and mine ears attentive to the melodies of Thy glorious favors. Verily Thou art the Omnipotent over whatsoever Thou willest and Thou hast ever been the Encompasser of all things.
When thou hast received this Tablet and the traces of My Most Exalted Pen, arise from thy place, turning towards God, and say: My God, my God! I beseech Thee by the fragrance of Thy raiment and the spot whereon Thy feet have trod, and by the horizon from which the Day-Star of Thy Revelation hath shone forth, and by Thy Name through which Thou hast subdued the cities and regions, to aid me under all conditions to remember Thee and to praise Thee, and to remain steadfast in Thy Cause.
And say: Praise be unto Thee for having bestowed Thy favor upon this servant of Thine and guided him to the straight path, and made firm the foundation, and granted success in remaining steadfast on a Day when the pillars of all created things were shaken, and the hearts of all beings were set ablaze, and every pregnant one cast forth her burden, and every nursing mother became heedless of the child she was nursing.
"O my Lord! Thou seest me confessing to that which the Tongue of Thy Grandeur hath spoken in the Kingdom of Thine utterance. Strengthen, O my God, my heart and my limbs such that neither the power of the mighty nor the doubts of the learned may weaken them.
O Hasan! When thou perceivest the fragrance of the choice wine of My utterance and beholdest the waves of the ocean of My wisdom, say:
O my God, my God! Praise be unto Thee for having guided me, and made me known to Thee, and caused me to hearken unto Thy call whereby the hearts of Thy sincere servants and those who have recognized Thy oneness among Thy creation were attracted.
When thou art attracted by the Kawthar of My utterance and awakened by the breezes of the dawn of My Revelation, arise and say: "My God, my God! All praise be unto Thee for having shown me Thy path and caused me to hear Thy proof. I beseech Thee by Thy Most Great Announcement and Thy Straight Path to ordain for me that which shall protect me from the oppression of the oppressors and the cawing of the croakers who have broken Thy covenant and Thy testament and have disbelieved in Thy signs.
O my God, my God! Praise be unto Thee for having mentioned me through Thy most great signs, from which everyone possessed of perception perceiveth the fragrance of eternity. … I beseech Thee, O Creator of heaven and Sovereign of the Kingdom of Names, by the power of Thy Will and the manifestation of Thy Purpose, and by the Beloved through Whose advent the heavens of Thy might were honored, and by the Spirit whom Thou didst raise to the horizon of Thy Cause, and by the Rod that vanquished the swords and through which the stars of Thine enemies were dimmed and Pharaoh and his hosts were drowned by Thy might and power, to make me steadfast in Thy Cause and firm in Thy love, such that names shall not prevent me from drawing near unto Thee, nor shall the gulf of idle fancies debar me from turning toward the shore of the ocean of Thy mercy.
I beseech Thee to assist us in raising the banners of gratitude and praise amidst all created things, and to grant us the Kawthar of steadfastness in Thy Cause and the Salsabil of firmness in the path of Thy love.
Special Tablets were revealed and sent to the people of Avalughli. God willing, they will drink from the chalices of remembrance and the cup of utterance and the ocean of grace that lie concealed within the revealed verses. You mentioned Mirza Mihdi, upon him be the Glory of God, and likewise mentioned his love and enthusiasm and his giving during nights and days. Blessed is he and joy be unto him! Time and again his mention hath flowed from the Most Exalted Pen. We beseech God to increase his service at every moment, and likewise his confirmation and success. Verily We have mentioned him before and mention him now as a mercy from Our presence and a bounty from Our part. Thy Lord doth witness and see and hear, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. Mention was made of Haji 'Ali-Akbar and Aqa 'Ali-Akbar. Each hath attained unto that which hath no peer or likeness. Reflect upon the ocean of God's loving-kindness, how He manifested A.H.M. and adorned him with the means of love and submission and contentment. The breezes of the verses that were sent down from the heaven of God's Will in his name have not ceased and will never cease. From the beginning of days until now he hath stood firm in service and hath spoken in remembrance. He and those with him all stand and are mentioned before the seat of the Wronged One. Soon shall the horizons of the world glory in his presence and his deeds and his remembrances, whereunto My perspicuous Book doth testify. Praise be to God! That honored one hath ever been and still is occupied with the mention of the friends of God in cities and lands. Say: My God, my God! Praise be unto Thee for having manifested me through Thy power and enabled me to serve Thee and caused me to speak Thy praise and illumined me with the light of Thy knowledge. I beseech Thee, O Lord of the Kingdom, by the mysteries of the Realm of Might and the lights of Thy countenance whereby the realm of creation was illumined, and by Thy Most Great Book which speaketh before the faces of the nations, to assist me and Thy loved ones to remain steadfast in such wise that neither the promptings of the evil ones, nor the doubts of the deniers, nor the insinuations of those who have disbelieved in the Day of Judgment shall keep them back. O my Lord! I beseech Thee by the lights of Thy Throne and the penetrating power of Thy verses to ordain for Thy loved ones and Thy friends the reward of attaining Thy presence and standing before the gate of Thy grandeur. Verily Thou art the All-Bountiful. There is none other God but Thee, the Munificent, the Forgiving, the Merciful.
My God, my God! I testify to Thy oneness and Thy unity, and that this Day is Thy Day, and this Cause is Thy Cause. … I beseech Thee by the Dayspring of Thy signs and the Dawning-Place of Thy clear tokens and the mines of Thy wisdom and the repositories of Thy knowledge, and by the Light wherewith Thou hast illumined the world, and by Thy Name through which Thou hast subdued the nations, to make me steadfast in Thy love, detached from all else but Thee, attracted by Thy verses, and enkindled with the fire of Thy sacred Tree.
And when thou receivest the Tablet, place it upon thy face and say: Praise be unto Thee, O my God, for having admitted me into the seat of the throne of Thy grandeur and for having revealed Thyself unto me through the lights of Thy countenance. I beseech Thee by Thy Self to make me steadfast in Thy Cause and firm in Thy love. Verily Thou art the Mighty, the Powerful, the All-Compelling.
My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having enabled me, made me know Thee, caused me to hear, and guided me unto Thy straight path. I beseech Thee by Thy Cause, whereby Thou hast subdued the hearts of the world, and by the waves of the ocean of Thy knowledge, O Lord of eternity, to make me steadfast in Thy Cause and firm in Thy love, in such wise that the clamor of the people shall not prevent me, nor shall the might of those who have denied the Resurrection terrify me.
Blessed is the ear that hath attained to hearing it and the eye that hath been honored to behold His verses which hold dominion over all that was and shall be.
… I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which Thou didst change fear into tranquility and denial into faith, and by the ocean of Thy utterance and the heaven of Thy bounty, to ordain for me that which will draw me nigh unto Thee and make me steadfast in Thy Cause, such that neither the hosts of the world nor the oppression of the nations shall hold me back.
O my Lord! I am Thy servant and the son of Thy servant. Ordain for me that which befitteth Thy Manifestation and Thy days. Verily Thou art the Almighty, the Powerful, and worthy to answer.
Glorify thy Lord with praise and say:
O Thou through Whose Name the entire creation hath been subdued! I beseech Thee by Thyself and by Thy mighty signs to assist me and Thy loved ones to be steadfast in Thy Cause in such wise that the tablets of fire shall not prevent them from beholding the lights of Thy countenance.
Take hold of it with the hand of strength and steadfastness and say: O my God, my Lord, my Support, my Beloved, and my Hope! I beseech Thee by Thy tender mercies which have preceded all created things and by Thy mercy which hath encompassed all contingent beings, to make me steadfast in Thy Cause and firm and immovable in Thy love.
Then I beseech Thee, O my God, to assist me to remain steadfast in this Cause whereby the feet of the learned have slipped save those whom Thy mercy - which hath preceded the worlds of the seen and unseen - did encompass.
I beseech Thee by the waves of the ocean of Thy bounty amidst all created things to assist this handmaiden of Thine to stand firm in Thy Cause and to hold fast unto that which will exalt her among Thy handmaidens.
When thou dost witness and hear God's call, arise and say: "Praise be unto Thee, O my God, for having enabled me to gaze upon the horizon of Thy manifestation. I beseech Thee to make me steadfast in this Cause which hath caused hearts to lament."
I beseech Thee, O my Lord, by the choice wine of Thy Most Glorious Name whereby all on earth and in heaven were intoxicated, and by the pearls hidden in the shells of the ocean of Thy bounty, and by the lights shining and blazing from the horizon of the heaven of Thy utterance, to make this handmaiden of Thine in all conditions attracted to Thy verses, speaking Thy praise and arising to serve Thee.
My Lord! I am Thy servant, and the son of Thy servant, and the son of Thy handmaiden. I beseech Thee by Thy mysteries which lie hidden within Thy knowledge, that Thou make me steadfast in Thy remembrance and praise amongst Thy servants.
Say: Praise be unto Thee, O my God, for having enabled me to recognize the Dayspring of Thy Cause and the Dawning-Place of Thy most beautiful names amidst all peoples. I beseech Thee by Thy Most Glorious Name to assist me under all conditions to remain steadfast in this mighty Cause, whereby the hearts of those who clung to what they possessed and turned away from what Thou hast were thrown into commotion.
Say:
My God, my God, my Lord and my Support! Praise be unto Thee for having guided me unto Thy straight path and illumined my heart with the light of certitude. I beseech Thee by Thy Prophets and Thy chosen ones, and by Him through Whom Thou didst open the door of Thy mercy unto the faces of Thy servants and through Whom the Sun of Unity shone forth from the horizon of the heaven of Thy Cause, to aid me to remain steadfast in Thy love.
I beseech Thee by the lights of Thy countenance, by the pearls hidden in the shells of the ocean of Thy knowledge, and by the Word through which the horizon of the heaven of inner meanings and utterance was illumined, to make me in all conditions to hold fast to Thy cord, to cling to the hem of the robe of Thy bounty, and to be immersed in the depths of the sea of Thy oneness. Then write down for me, O God of Names and Creator of Heaven, that which will make me steadfast in Thy Cause, firm in Thy love, and unwavering in Thy path.
I beseech Thee by the lights of Thy countenance and the waves of the ocean of Thy knowledge to make me so steadfast in Thy love that the veils of the world will not prevent me.
When thou hast attained to the lights of the Tablet and recited the verses of God, say: Praise be unto Thee, O my God, for having made Thyself known unto me, shown me Thy horizon, and remembered me in Thy prison. I beseech Thee to make me steadfast in Thy Cause, a servant unto Thy Countenance, and one gazing upon Thy face.
Make me steadfast in this Cause whereby all who are in the heavens and on earth were thunderstruck, save them whom the hands of Thy bounty did preserve.
O My handmaiden! When thou receivest My letter and findest from it the fragrance of the utterance of thy Lord, the All-Merciful, place it upon thine eyes and say: Praise be unto Thee, O my God, for having remembered me and enabled me to recognize Thee when most of mankind have turned away from Thee. I beseech Thee by the lights of Thy countenance to assist me to remain steadfast in Thy Cause.
I beseech Thee by the Light that shone forth from the horizon of Sinai and by the Fire which Thou didst manifest from the Tree of Revelation, to make me firm in Thy love, steadfast in Thy Cause, and speaking in Thy praise.
O my Lord! Praise be to Thee for Thy gracious gifts and wondrous bounties, whereby Thou hast caused me to recognize the Manifestation of Thy Self, honored me with His presence, made me hear His melodies, and brought me before Him. By Thy might! Were I to thank Thee for what Thou hast bestowed upon me throughout the duration of Thy sovereignty, it would still fall short of the wonders of Thy favors. But I beseech Thee by the sovereignty of Thy Name that hath encompassed all created things, to make me steadfast in Thy Cause, speaking in praise of Thy Self, and mindful of Thy wondrous gifts.
Say: Praise be to Thee, O my God, for having illumined my heart with the light of Thy utterance and for having sent down to me that which has made my soul content with Thy decree. O my Lord! I am Thy servant and the son of Thy servant. I hold fast to the cord of Thy good-pleasure and the hem of Thy decree, and I glory in this among Thy servants.
When thou settest out, say: "O my Lord! I have left Thy vicinity by Thy leave. Praise be unto Thee for having enabled me to do this and for having made me one of those who are content with what Thou hast decreed for them.
Say: Glory be unto Thee, O my God! … Since Thou hast made me renowned through Thy Name and known through Thy love, deprive me not of steadfastness in Thy Cause and detachment from all else but Thee.
O my God! I beseech Thee by this Most Great Name that Thou make me steadfast in His love and His good-pleasure, in such wise that I turn to none except Him, and hold fast to none but Him, and accept none save Him.
I beseech Thee by the movement of Thy Pen, whereby Thou hast stirred all created things, and by the light of Thy countenance, whereby Thou hast illumined the horizons, to make me steadfast and firm in Thy Cause in such wise that nothing whatsoever shall prevent me.
O Lord! Make me steadfast in Thy love and Thy Cause in such wise that the winds of trials shall not move me.
I beseech Thee by Thy generosity which hath encompassed all things, and by Thy Command whereby the Trump was sounded and those in the graves were raised, to make me steadfast in Thee and in Thy signs, and to cause me to cling to the hem of Thy mercy and bounty.
O Abbas! Say: Praise be to Thee, O my God, for having enabled me to hold fast to Thy sure handle and to cling to the hem of Thy garment. I beseech Thee by Thy greatness and Thy sovereignty, and by the pearls of the ocean of Thy knowledge, to make me so steadfast in Thy love that neither the doubts of the hypocrites may hinder me from drawing nigh unto Thee, nor the whisperings of the froward keep me back from turning to the lights of Thy countenance.
Aid him, O my God, through the wonders of Thy assistance, and send down upon them patience in that which Thou hast raised up unto the heaven of Thy uniqueness and the horizon of Thy detachment.
I beseech Thee by Thy Cause that hath encompassed earth and heaven, by Thy power before the faces of the princes, and by the waves of the ocean of Thy utterance in the kingdom of creation, to make me steadfast in Thy Cause, firm in Thy love, arising in Thy service, and speaking Thy praise amongst Thy servants with wisdom and eloquence.
Hold fast to the robe of thy Lord and say: O God of existence and Sovereign of the seen and unseen! I beseech Thee to make me steadfast in the Cause whereby the feet of the learned have slipped, save those whom Thou didst rescue through Thy grace that overshadoweth the worlds.
I beseech Thee by Thy Name through which Thou didst send down the Sad that was mentioned in the Gospel, and through which was revealed that which was promised in Thy Books, Thy Tablets, Thy Scriptures and Thy Psalms, to make each one of Thy loved ones steadfast in Thy Cause and firm in Thy love, in such wise that they shall behold naught save Thy good-pleasure and whatsoever Thou hast ordained for them through Thy decree.
Turn thy face each day toward the court of thy Lord and say: O my Lord, I am he who hath turned his face toward the court of Thy grace and bounties. Therefore, O my God, deprive me not of what Thou hast ordained for Thy chosen ones, and make me steadfast in the Cause from which the feet of every rejected idolater have slipped.
I beseech Thee by the lights of the Throne and the mysteries of the Cause to make me steadfast in the cord of constancy in Thy love and firm in what Thou hast commanded me in Thy Tablets.
I beseech Thee by Thy greatest signs and the manifestations of Thy Cause in the kingdom of creation, and by the wisdom which Thou hast made a fortress for the protection of Thy servants and a city for the safeguarding of Thy creation, to make me steadfast in Thy love and firm in Thy Cause in such wise that neither the lowing of any calf nor the croaking of any crow nor the swords of those who have arisen to extinguish Thy light shall prevent me.
Then inspire them, O my God, with that which will cause them to hold fast in adversity and prosperity unto the cord of Thy loving care and to cling to the hem of the robe of Thy bounty. Verily Thou art the Omnipotent, the Most Great, the All-Compelling, the Most Exalted, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Praise be unto Thee, for verily Thou art the Mighty, the Great.
O my God and my Lord! I beseech Thee by the heaven of Thy Will and the ocean of Thy Purpose to make me in all conditions turned towards Thee and steadfast in Thy love.
Ordain for me through Thy Most Exalted Pen that which will assist me to remain steadfast in Thy Cause and to mention Thee among Thy servants with wisdom and utterance. O my Lord! Thou seest Thy servant clinging to the cord of Thy grace and holding fast to the hem of Thy mercy. Ordain for him every good that was in Thy Book.
Praise be unto Thee for having guided me to the horizon of Thy Cause after Thy servants were barred therefrom, and for having admitted me into the pavilion of Thy nearness and honored me with Thy presence after the forces of the heedless had seized the prison gate. O my Lord! Aid me to serve Thee throughout my remaining days. Verily Thou art the Almighty, the All-Knowing.
...Praise be unto Thee, O Creator of the heavens and Possessor of all names! I beseech Thee by the ocean of Thy verses to assist me to be steadfast in Thy Cause and to ordain for me that which shall profit me in Thy worlds. Thou art, verily, the Omnipotent over whatsoever Thou willest. There is none other God but Thee, the Ordainer, the All-Wise.
Further quotations · supplied wording and references
When thou hearest the call from the Most Exalted Horizon, say:
My God, my God! Praise be to Thee for having awakened me through the breathings of Thy Revelation, made known to me Thy ancient bounty, and shown me Thy wondrous generosity. I beseech Thee by the waves of the ocean of Thy knowledge and the signs of Thy grandeur, and by Thy Prophets and Messengers whom neither the might of the oppressors deterred from drawing nigh unto Thee, nor the tyranny of the Pharaohs from turning toward the light of Thy countenance,
to make me steadfast in Thy Cause and firm in Thy love.
For thought and discussion