Four copies of the Kitáb-i-Badí‘ had been written out, compared and checked, and still, when one of them chanced to lie open before Bahá’u’lláh, He found misspelt words and missing letters on most of its pages. Error, His amanuensis admits, belongs to human nature; the Word does not, and so the care of the Word becomes a form of devotion. The same servant who trembled with joy at hearing the verses revealed trembled with fear that memory might fail before they were written down. From that fear flows a whole discipline: gather what is scattered, compare copies against a correct exemplar, choose durable paper and fine handwriting, keep the original safe while copies travel, hide the Tablets from those who would seize them, and yet send trustworthy texts to libraries in distant cities. Jeremiah’s scroll, burned by a king and dictated again to Baruch, is an old witness that a message can outlive an attack on its paper [1]. Accurate preservation is a trust owed to the words and their future readers, and it opens onto authentication, the ordering of the Sacred Writings, their translation, and their publication.
Moreover, the scribes make many mistakes, for error and mistake have been and will be in human nature. Just as in these days four copies of the Kitab-i-Badi' have been written, and although they were compared and checked, nevertheless one day by chance one of those copies was present before His Countenance. He looked at some of it and found several instances where letters were mistaken, and likewise several places where the spelling was wrong. Afterwards He commanded that it be carefully examined and compared. It became apparent that in most pages there were mistakes and omissions. Therefore it is very necessary that they be attentive with care so that it becomes correct.
I swear by the Beauty of the Desired One and the Sovereign of the unseen and the seen that in most times during revelation, joy and sorrow encompass this servant to such extent that none save God, exalted be His station, knoweth its measure--joy from hearing the wondrous and sublime melodies of God, glorified be His majesty, and sorrow from fear lest the verses be neglected and memory fail to preserve them.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1300-04-27 [1883-Mar-7], to Haji Muhammad Ibrahim et al -- BH00196)
03
Say: Had not the Book of God been preserved aforetime upon the leaves of trees, how would ye today be reading from gilded tablets? Therefore preserve ye all that hath been revealed in the Bayan, for this is sustenance unto all the worlds.
Then preserve ye all that hath been revealed from God according to your capacity.
(The Báb, Kitab-i-Asma' (Book of Names), 1264 (late) or early 1265 [1848-1849] -- BB00003)
04
The revealed Tablets, as commanded, have been sent separately in this servant's hand, except for one Most Holy, Most Exalted Tablet specifically for the physician. If there could be found there someone with fine handwriting to transcribe the sent Tablets, taking utmost care in comparing and checking them, this would be most beloved. Likewise, they should be preserved in a secure place, for divine verses are scattered in various regions. Therefore, in that land and every land, whatever is received therein should be gathered together - this is beloved and acceptable.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1300-05-02 ? [1883-Mar-11], to Abu'l-Hasan-i-Ardikani (Haji Amin) -- BH00014)
05
After completion, inform me so that instructions may be given as to how they should be sent. Also prepare one copy of the Answer to the Objections of the Judge, so that it may be printed in Bombay. Give priority to this Answer to the Judge, but strive with utmost care for accuracy of expression and absence of errors. Compare repeatedly each page that you write, and first you must obtain a correct copy to work from.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Jun-22, to Abdur-Rahman Rahiqi -- AB12228)
06
They must make a diligent effort in preserving the Book of God, for once again the correct manner of reading has been revealed - whatever is in the hands of the servants must be made to conform and agree with it. And regarding the Book of Iqan, its correct version was bestowed upon His Honor Ali-Qabl-Akbar, glory be upon him - the existing copies must either be made to conform with it or be rewritten anew from it, this latter being preferable and more fitting.
The purpose is that the servants should understand and discover the meanings and allusions of the divine verses. This blessed book was revealed in Iraq and printed in India, but before comparison and collation, his honor Mirza Haydar-'Ali, upon him be the Glory of God and His favors, requested its correction from the Land of Sad. According to instructions some have engaged in collation and God willing after correction it will be sent to that land as well.
Some friends in London in these days had copied those erroneous Tablets with the intention of publishing them. I immediately prohibited this and wrote that they should also inform the library director that those Holy Writings, those Sacred Words - each letter of which is equal to the creation of all beings - are erroneous. Therefore it would be better to remove those erroneous Tablets and send correct Sacred Writings in the most beautiful calligraphy instead.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Sep-07, to Ali-Akbar Rawhani Muhibulsultan -- AB11825)
09
This servant has written a copy of it in clear script and sent it, so that any of the friends who wish may make copies from it, allowing the original Tablet to reach its recipient without defect or flaw. In any case, if copies are made, corrected, and given to some, perhaps it will bear fruit.
This is the handwriting of Jinab-i-Zayn. Jinab-i-Zayn was a scribe of the Blessed Beauty. Any Tablet that is in his handwriting is accurate and correct.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken ca. Nov. 1921 in Haifa -- ABU3470)
11
Regarding the photograph of the Exalted One's Tablet to Muhammad Shah and Nasiri'd-Din Shah's letter, please make every effort, for since there are different accounts of this matter on people's tongues, the Tablet itself and Nasiri'd-Din Shah's letter will dispel doubts. Therefore obtain as many of these photographs as you can and send them gradually, and if possible obtain and send the original Tablet.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913 ca., to Siyavash Farsi (Siyavash Sifidvash) -- AB01583)
12
In any case, the Pen is astonished - they have attributed the Book of Iqan, which was revealed from the heaven of grace in response to the Afnan Haji Mir Siyyid Muhammad (upon him be the glory of God and His forgiveness and mercy and bounty), to Yahya, saying it is from him, even though that heedless one was never with Us.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307 ? [1889-1890], to Mulla Muhammad Rafi -- BH04591)
13
Concerning the Hidden Words which thou didst mention - some were revealed at one time in a single tablet, while others were revealed at different times. Some have gathered them all together, while others remain scattered. It would be best if they were all gathered together, in the estimation of God, thy Lord and the Lord of all worlds.
O people of the Gate! Make no distinction between the Books which have issued from the Gate. Gather them all together and preserve them with the utmost care, and transcribe them in the most excellent calligraphy upon refined, separate tablets.
(The Báb, Answer to Mirza Muhammad Yazdi, 1261 [1845]?, to Mirza Muhammad Yazdi -- BB00158)
15
God testifieth that there is none other God but He - say: All do inscribe the words of God in the finest script. God testifieth that there is none other God but He - say: All by His power do gather all that hath been sent down from God. God testifieth that there is none other God but He - say: All by His might do preserve all that God hath revealed in the Book of verses and clear proofs.
(The Báb, Kitab-i-Jaza' (Book of the Reckoning), 1264-05-05 ca. (Chihriq) [1848-Apr-9], to Mulla Husayn, Quddus, 'Abdu'l-Vahhab, Aba 'Ali, Hasan, 'Azim, Yahya and others -- BB00004)
16
How excellent that thou shouldst bring into being and send five adorned Tablets of His traces in beautiful handwriting with the utmost joy and fragrance, and show the utmost care in preserving the traces of God, both those of old and those newly revealed.
(The Báb, Letter to Mulla 'Abdu'l-Karim Qazvini, to Mulla 'Abdu'l-Karim Qazvini -- BB00528)
17
God loveth that they should be preserved in vessels of crystal, then that these vessels should be preserved in the most delicate stones, in such wise that all may be able to manifest this. This is what God hath loved for those who have believed in God and His signs, if ye are able. Say: Cotton, then vessels of silk, then what ye are able of the sweetest stone, even if after days ye are able to manifest this to those who are alive, lest their hearts should be averse, and that they may rejoice therein.
(The Báb, Testamentary disposition, addressed to Azal, 1266 ? [1849-1850], to Mirza Yahya -- BB00210)
18
Since transcription involves expenses, as they must be written in fine calligraphy on high quality, durable paper and illuminated before being sent, Jinab-i-Amin will cover the costs.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Jul-07, to Ali-Akbar Rawhani Muhibulsultan -- AB11870)
19
Eight pieces were sent, two of them practice pieces and evening exercises, and six others in clear script. Fifteen other pages were bound for safekeeping and all were dispatched.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1300-04 [1883-Feb], to Aqa Mirza Asadullah et al -- BH00040)
20
You should certainly make multiple copies of those papers and keep each copy preserved in a place so they are not lost.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1921-Oct-12, to Mustafa Nuri -- AB02068)
21
According to His command, you must hold fast in all conditions to the cord of wisdom, and preserve whatever holy tablets and letters arrive from the Most Holy Court and from this servant. It would be regrettable were the verses of God to fall into the wrong hands. A secure place must be designated for the divine trusts - that is, the verses and words.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299-07-10 [1882-May-28], to Aqa Siyyid Mirza Abutalib -- BH00467)
22
The people of God must exert their utmost effort in protecting the divine verses, that they may be safeguarded from treacherous eyes and thieving hands. This servant has expressed this to some of the friends. God willing, they will be assisted.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1302-02-11 [1884-Nov-30], to Mirza Ali Muhammad Yazdi (Varqa) et al -- BH00051)
23
God willing, may all the divine friends be illumined and gladdened by the lights of the suns of utterance and act according to that which they have been commanded in the Book. In truth, all must not be negligent in preserving the divine Tablets. As previously, when they intended to seize some friends, their writings first fell into [others'] hands. This is not permissible. They must designate a secure place for the divine verses so they remain protected from the touch of unworthy hands, although none shall touch them save the pure ones, as it has been and ever shall be.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299-01 [1881-Nov], to Muhammad Javad Qazvini et al -- BH00172)
24
That which is necessary today is that each soul should preserve whatever of the Sacred Writings they possess in a place where no one else has knowledge thereof. This year in the Land of Ta [Tehran] many divine verses fell into the hands of the oppressors. Whomsoever they seized had Writings with them, as if the Writings were kept in a designated place by the gate. In any case, many Writings were plundered. It behooveth the people of truth to preserve them and conceal them from every treacherous one, from every thief, and from every accursed hypocrite.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1300-12-18 [1883-Oct-20], to Zaynul-Muqarrabin et al -- BH00146)
25
Among the important matters has been and is the preservation of divine verses. Glory be to God! Despite this point being written repeatedly and sent to various regions, still in every land they have captured pure souls who had writings with them. It is as if they have prepared the Books, Scrolls, Psalms and Tablets of Truth just to surrender them. Their preservation is obligatory and essential for all. A hundred thousand regrets that the pearls of the divine ocean of knowledge have fallen into the hands of thieves and traitors.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1300-09-24 [1883-Jul-29], to Aqa Mirza Mihdi et al -- BH00183)
26
Therefore, in these days they are repeatedly being read in Our presence, that what God hath intended and what the Tongue of Grandeur hath spoken may become manifest. Many verses and evidences have fallen into the hands of the idolaters, both in the Land of Ta [Tehran] and other lands. The people of God must make a mighty effort to preserve and protect the Tablets.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1304 ? [1886-1887], to Shaykh Kazim Samandar -- BH00691)
27
Know thou the value of the mention of the Wronged One and preserve this Tablet as thou wouldst thine eye, that it may be protected from the eyes of the treacherous and the ears of the thieves.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1300-11 [1883-Sep], to Ali Akbar Khan -- BH07960)
28
Thou must exert utmost effort and striving to preserve that which hath been revealed unto thee, that it may endure for thee.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1293-05 [1876-May], to Aqa Hasan -- BH03542)
29
Send the enclosed letter quickly and dispatch it through a trustworthy person to be delivered. The letter should be secured, for it is an important letter. Care must be taken lest it fail to arrive.
Another submission is that whatever was sent with Mulla Muhammad-'Ali has arrived, and previously it was written to Zaynu'l-Muqarrabin - upon him be the glory of God - to begin transcribing the verses of God, and likewise some here were also told and are engaged in transcription. However, since no designated swift-penned scribe can be found here, if it takes somewhat longer there is no harm.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1293-07-27 [1876-Aug-18], to Mirza Abdullah Khan Nuri -- BH01477)
31
Two Tablets were specifically revealed for Zaynu'l-Muqarrabin - deliver them, and he should review all that was sent. Thus hath the Command been sent down from the heaven of wondrous knowledge, that perchance there might be understood what none in all the worlds hath understood. None else need see them except such as have attained a station enabling them to view them with a penetrating and radiant vision.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Siyyid Mihdi Dahaji et al -- BH00656)
32
Regarding what you wrote about not having received the Tablets revealed from the heaven of the Divine Will, and your request for copies of those exalted Tablets - a special volume hath been revealed from the divine heaven of authority specifically for you, and the answer to the questions of the Afnan [the Kitab-i-Iqan], upon them be the Most Glorious Glory of God, hath also been revealed therein. Now the copy of that treatise is being sent. Since its beginning was separately copied in the book of verses, it is now also being sent separately along with the volume.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290-04-22 [1873-Jun-19], to Haji Muhammad Ibrahim Afnan (Muballigh) -- BH01015)
33
God willing, a Tablet of bounty will be revealed. Regarding what was written about making a copy, if your honor makes the copy yourself, it is not necessary for Hadrat-i-Ism-i-Jud, upon him be 966 [Baha'u'llah] and His favors, to make another copy. Otherwise Ism-i-Jud must make a copy of it.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1303-03-02 [1885-Dec-9], to Siyyid Mihdi Dahaji -- BH05063)
34
O thou who art firm in the Covenant! Some tablets have arrived from America and are being sent within this envelope, and some through His Eminence Ayadi Ibn-Abhar, upon him be the Glory of God the Most Glorious, so that they may be transcribed in fine handwriting on beautiful paper in an elegant arrangement and printed with utmost precision and sent to other provinces.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Ali-Akbar Rawhani Muhibulsultan -- AB11882)
35
O thou who art firm in the Covenant! Write this letter in very fine handwriting in forty or fifty copies and send them with utmost speed to various regions.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Ali-Akbar Rawhani Muhibulsultan -- AB12018)
36
Certain Tablets had been written, and copies of some were inscribed in a special treatise and sent. If you can disseminate these to all lands, no task today is greater than this, yet let copies be made and sent with utmost discretion, lest it become widely known in the city and the leaders thereof, whether governors or others, become aware.
Tablets were sent with Salman, and in response to certain questions, special pages were written and dispatched. Make copies of these and send them to various regions, that perchance the people may remember what was revealed therein and be among those who take heed.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Siyyid Mihdi Dahaji -- BH05653)
38
That which you had written concerning the circulation of copies of the Tablets was most pleasing. … Those Tablets, nay rather all that hath been sent to you, should be dispatched to all lands, for they will prove most beneficial. Some of the servants are aware of what hath come to pass but know not what shall come to pass, therefore such Tablets will prove beneficial. Those to whom copies are sent should make copies thereof and send them to other regions.
Therefore, copy the Tablets and spread them among the beloved. The meanings of those leaves are the spiritual table, the heavenly blessing and the means for the life eternal.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Jan-07, to Charles E Sprague -- AB03118)
40
O ye two, servant and maid-servant of the Beauty of ABHA!
Thank ye His Highness the Incomparable One, that ye have become assisted in the service of the self-subsistent Lord and that ye are making copies of the Tablets of Abdul-Baha, spreading them all around. This service is the most great bounty; for like unto the messenger from Egypt, ye are sending the garment of the Joseph of the love of God to all directions, so that the fragrance of the rose-garden of the Kingdom of ABHA impart the spirit of life to the inquirers.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-May-23, to Francis J Phelps et al -- AB08612)
41
O My Trustee! I have instructed Jinab-i-Mirza 'Ali-Akbar to transcribe some of the writings of the Blessed Beauty in fine calligraphy and send them to the libraries of London and Paris. You should, by whatever means possible, provide him with the expenses for gilding, binding and other costs, so that he will not need assistance from others.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Nov-16, to Abu'l-Hasan-i-Ardikani (Haji Amin) -- AB12702)
42
The Quran was confined to the scribes of revelation for twenty-six years; it was disseminated during the time of the Caliphs, and even then it was limited to a few copies.
When I was very, very young, I found in Our house in Teheran a large voluminous book containing many prayers in Arabic revealed by the Bab and copied by Baha'u'llah.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Baltimore Hotel in Paris, 1913-May-19 -- ABU2755)
44
Thereafter He related:
They were in a certain place with Aqa Mirza Javad-i-Khurasani and Mirza Aqa Jan; and Aqa Mirza Javad, though exceedingly sharp-tempered, was nevertheless a believer, assured and steadfast. At the intimation of His Holiness my Master, he transcribed a complete collection---most of it from the handwriting of Aqa Siyyid Husayn---of the writings of His Holiness the Exalted One; and all of it was corrected and collated. With what pains His Holiness my Master had obtained these writings, and at last brought them to 'Akka; but what Mirza Muhammad-'Ali did with them is not known.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1915-Oct-23 in Bahji -- ABU1162)
The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.
45
Day and night he was occupied in transcribing and arranging the Sacred Tablets, and in producing calligraphic renderings of the Greatest Name. These pieces spread throughout all parts, so that in Iran and Turan, Europe and America, Asia and Africa - there is no city where some example of his penmanship is not to be found. Most of these pieces are of the Greatest Name.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1921-Apr-13, to Sakinih wife of Muhammad Sadiq et al -- AB00467)
46
Thou art he who was blessed to transcribe the verses of thy Lord - a station which God chose before the appearance of the Pens among mankind.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299-11 [1882-Sep], to Muhammad Qabl-i-Sadiq -- BH02400)
47
Moreover, blessed is thy son, for he hath occupied himself with transcribing the verses of thy Lord, the Forgiving, the Generous. This is a deed that nothing on earth can equal.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1291-11-15 [1874-Dec-24], to Mulla Qanbar -- BH07245)
48
As to Rasul, upon him be My glory and loving-kindness, in recent years he hath been engaged in service, ever holding fast to the transcription of verses and the teaching of the Cause.
Praise be to God that, through the grace of the Ancient Beauty - may my spirit be a sacrifice for His loved ones - thou art enabled to transcribe the divine verses and art spending thy time in the greatest of services.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1894 ca., to Aqa Abdu'l-Husayn (Kashan) -- AB12349)
50
However, since at all times I am occupied with transcribing divine verses and the affairs of the friends in this land, surely all will overlook this evanescent one's shortcomings.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1298-01-27 [1880-Dec-30], to Shaykh Kazim Samandar -- BH01331)
51
O Lord! Ordain for him every good thing in Thy kingdom, and assist him, as long as he liveth, to transcribe Thy verses and compose Thy words.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1910-Apr-27, to Abu'l Hasan Ansaf -- AB09768)
52
The visible heaven may well be cleft asunder and cease to be, yet the mention that flows from the Ancient Pen shall not be seized by extinction but shall endure and persist for as long as God's names endure.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1297-07-09 [1880-Jun-17], to Karbalai Ahmad -- BH04996)
53
In very truth, whatsoever hath flowed from the Most Exalted Pen concerning him remaineth permanent and eternal, in such wise that the passage of centuries and ages shall not efface it. This mention hath ever been and shall ever be preserved in the Book of God, and its effects have appeared and shall continue to appear.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299 ? [1881-1882], to Ibn Asdaq (Hand of the Cause) -- BH01862)
54
This verse is the dawning-place of all good, and likewise the greatest key for the gates of grace and bounty.
Were they to become aware of what hath been sent down from the heaven of mercy, and drink from the hidden Kawthar concealed within the divine words, they would occupy themselves with thanksgiving and praise to the Desired One of the world. For that which hath been revealed is everlasting and eternal, and shall forever remain preserved and immortalized in the Book under thy name.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306 ? [1888-1889], to Javad -- BH01219)
55
I testify that it was preserved in God's knowledge and concealed from all eyes. Then when the time came, We sent it down as a grace from Our presence and made it manifest as a mercy from Us, yet most of the people perceive not.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299 ? [1881-1882], to Aqa Muhammad Hasan -- BH08517)
56
This is the Tablet wherein hath been ordained the preservation of what was and what will be, yet the people perceive not.
The world and all that is therein shall soon return to nothingness, while that which hath been revealed from the Supreme Pen concerning the loved ones, the chosen ones, and the sincere ones shall endure as long as His most beautiful names endure.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1298-05 [1881-Mar], to Ali Khan -- BH08565)
Further quotations · supplied wording and references
58
They should guard the Tablets as they guard their eyes, nay with greater vigilance, if they be of them that comprehend. Truly, none must be careless in the matter of safeguarding the Divine Tablets. In former times, when plans were laid to seize some of the friends, before all else it was the Writings that fell into the hands of the enemy. This is not permissible. The friends should designate a strong, secure place for storing the Divine Verses so that they may not be exposed to the touch of unworthy hands, even though these Verses are, and shall always be, such as "none shall touch but the purified".