Recite the verses of God morning and evening, Bahá’u’lláh commands, and then qualifies the command in a way that overturns every quantitative habit: what counts is the love and inclination of the soul, so that a single verse read with spirit and joy outweighs many books read without them. The Tablets are to be read with a melodious voice and the tone of the heart, pondered until their hidden pearls come up from the depths, and above all practised, since to hold the Book and not act on it is to miss its purpose. There is a warning too: people who recited scripture day and night were veiled, when its Revealer appeared, by their attachment to the words themselves. The Psalmist’s tree planted by water, bearing fruit in season because its roots drink from meditation on the law day and night, pictures the same slow nourishment [1]. The journey continues into contemplation and meditation, into disciplined study and deepening, and into the Word of God itself.
Concerning the question about this blessed verse--His words, exalted be His grandeur: "Recite ye the verses of God morning and evening"--the intention hath been and shall be all that hath been revealed from the Kingdom of Utterance. This is what the Desired One hath decreed. O Zayn! The greatest condition is the inclination and love of holy souls for the recitation of verses. If one verse, or even one word, be recited with spirit and joy, it is better than reading numerous books.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1297-12-02 ? [1880-Nov-5], to Zaynul-Muqarrabin et al -- BH00079)
02
Blessed is he who readeth the verses of God and pondereth them and draweth forth from their depths the pearls of a preserving knowledge. And the Spirit be upon thee and upon those who, when the verses of God their Lord are sent down unto them, fall prostrate upon their faces before God, the Omnipotent, the All-Compelling, the Most High, the Most Great, the Most Mighty, the All-Glorious, the All-Subduing, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Ismullah, named Muhammad -- BH00853)
03
That is: Illumine the heart with the Fire of the Love of God; live in accord with the Exhortations of the Blessed Perfection and read the Hidden Words. Strive thou that thou mayest practice each one of these Teachings.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Mar-28, to Helen Eggleston -- AB08816)
04
How many servants and handmaidens there were who occupied themselves day and night with reciting divine books and heavenly scriptures, yet remained veiled from their Revealer when He appeared, and clinging to their own imaginings and holding fast to the Book, were deprived of its Revealer and remained veiled from the Mother Book.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290-05 [1873-Jun], to Dal' Jinab-i-'Am al-ladhi Sa'ada ila Allah -- BH09815)
05
The object of reading and reciting is to understand the inner significance of the verses and mysteries of the Book.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Mr Kinney's students, spoken at Kinney home on 1912-Dec-04 -- ABU2749)
06
The teachings of Baha'u'llah are like uncut diamonds that the more you polish them the greater will become their brilliancy.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Mrs A. Burks, spoken on 1914-Apr-14 -- ABU2171)
07
Read ye the Tablets, that breasts may be illumined thereby and hearts may find tranquility.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1291-03 [1874-Apr], to Ibn Asdaq (Hand of the Cause) -- BH05310)
08
Read the Tablets of His Holiness Baha'u'llah with a good melody, peruse them with the tone of the heart and of the spirit. It will confer life, it will quicken the dead and it will grant the power of light to every broken-winged bird and cause it to sing and chant.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912-Aug-07, to Baha'is of Stuttgart, Germany -- AB12314)
09
Read ye the verses of God with joy and fragrance - they draw you to the Most Exalted Horizon and bring you near to the sublime station.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1292-05-19 [1875-Jun-23], to friends of God -- BH03076)
10
When thou attainest unto a Tablet of thy Lord, read what is therein with the most melodious voice. It will attract thee to an exalted station.
In truth, in the first station and primary rank, the faculty of hearing was created solely for hearkening unto the blessed Word.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307 ? [1889-1890], to wife of Haji Siyyid Mirza -- BH07336)
12
If people would reflect and ponder a little, they would soon attain a state of awakening and realize that there is no shelter except under the shade of the Word of God, and nothing but attachment to and orientation towards spiritual power and divine teachings can bring joy to the spirit, comfort to the heart, and assurance to the conscience.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Jun-03 in Paris -- ABU1660)
13
Blessed is he who pondereth the verses of God and readeth them at eventide and at dawn.
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to Siyyid Mihdi Dahaji et al -- BH02333)
14
Peruse ye every day the verses revealed by God. Blessed is the man who reciteth them and reflecteth upon them. He truly is of them with whom it shall be well
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to Husayn Ali Tabib -- BH11451)
The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.
15
At all times occupy thyself with the recitation of the verses of God and be diligent in pondering His firm utterances.
Blessed are those that read the verses of Our Revelation, and discover from them that which hath been purposed by their Lord, Who ordaineth whatsoever He desireth.
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to Muhammad Tahir Malmiri -- BH06550)
17
Say: Ponder, O people, on the Revelation of God and His sovereignty and His greatness and His power. Then judge with fairness and be not of those who have disbelieved in God, the Mighty, the Beloved. Rejoice in what hath been sent down unto thee in this Tablet, then recite it at all times. By My life, through it thou shalt find the fragrance of the Garment wafting from this exalted Station.
By God's life! Were the people of the earth to peruse but a single Tablet from among the divine Tablets with justice and fairness, they would all turn toward the Most Exalted Horizon and return from that which they possess unto that which is God's.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1305-06-17 [1888-Mar-1], to Jinab-i-Hi Sin -- BH11886)
20
In brief, the handmaidens of the All-Merciful must strive night and day to acquire both outer and inner perfections and extensively study the glorious Qur'an and the noble Gospel. This is incumbent upon all.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Jul ca., to Spiritual Assembly of Tihran, Womens Committee -- AB01261)
21
It is the religious duty of every Baha'i to read and comprehend the meanings of the old and new Testaments.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Mar-07 -- ABU3243)
22
Encourage other children also to drink from this Salsabil spring and partake of this pure water.
… O Lord! Assist his peers and equals to learn knowledge and wisdom and to study the Torah and Gospel and Qur'an and examine the Bayan and manifest wisdom and understanding.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1904 ca., to Mirza Habib (Student of Sadr) -- AB01172)
23
The Bible and Holy Books of other religions must always be studied and to be read in the Baha'i meetings. Their study will widen the circle of one's information and acquaint him with the wonderful prophecies fulfilled today. A Baha'i publication must never publish anything which may cause provocations or injure the feelings of any one or displease any soul. It must publish such matters that would be conducive to the happiness, hopefulness, advancement, guidance and illumination of the readers.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at House of the Master in Haifa, 1914-Feb-12 -- ABU1232)
24
Read, my daughter, the Holy Books of mankind; as a Christian study particularly the New Testament; show me, where does the great Master Jesus speak of the "Wrath of God"?
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken to Miss St. in Aug 1910 -- ABU3429)
25
He would recite the Qur'an with careful pronunciation and would delve deep into the meanings of this Noble Book morning and night, finding in its verses the fountain of living waters and guidance to the path of salvation.
Up to that period I had not had time to read the Koran from first to last, but then I had ample time and used to read this Holy Book with fervor and enthusiasm. Going over the incidents and events of the lives of former Prophets, and finding how parallel they were with ours, I was consoled and encouraged.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to E.J. Rosenberg et al, spoken in March 1901 -- ABU1417)
27
O thou maid-servant of God! Acquire the Persian tongue, so as to learn of the meanings of the divine words and to know the divine mysteries, to develop an eloquent speech and to translate the blessed Tablets of Baha'u'llah.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1905-Jun-11, to Beatrice Davies -- AB09814)
28
Strive to properly learn the Persian language so that you may recite the Tablets of Baha'u'llah and understand their meanings.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Jul-30, to Adolph N Dahl -- AB07252)
29
I ask God to make you proficient and learned in the language of the people of the East so that you may read by yourself from the writings of your Lord, the Merciful, the Compassionate.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Wendell Phillips Dodge -- AB11868)
30
Move among the handmaidens with perfect dignity and composure, and persist in reading the verses of God in Persian and Arabic, for this shall be the cause of eternal life.
It is also highly praiseworthy to memorize the Tablets, divine verses and sacred traditions.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Jun ca., to Muhammad Rida Ibn Sina -- AB08631)
32
Read the books that are extant, in the meetings and assemblies, and memorize the vital points.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Mar-04, to Spiritual Assembly of Spokane, WA -- AB01926)
33
The friends in every land should gather together with wisdom and utterance in meetings and assemblies to read the verses of God, for the verses kindle the fire of love and ignite its flame.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1303-01-04 ? [1885-Oct-13], to Mulla Mahmud et al -- BH00443)
34
As commanded, at least once every month, the friends of God in whatever land they reside should, either collectively or individually, read whatever divine utterances have been revealed in this leaf and meditate upon them.
Continue attending the study of the Book of Iqan with Mrs. Crook and likewise other Baha'i books. This will cause your progress and elevation in the divine Kingdom and you will become informed of the contents of the Cause of God.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Apr-07, to Deborah E Wagner -- AB08701)
36
I hope that night and day you will strive with heart and soul, closing your eyes to all else, so that with a free heart and gladdened spirit you may pursue divine knowledge and heavenly mysteries, may become informed of divine proofs and aware of clear evidences, may open your tongue to guide souls, may lead multitudes to the shore of the sea of grace, and may illumine eyes with the light of guidance.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Nasrullah Rastigar Taliqani -- AB05790)
37
It behooveth thee to read the blessed Surih of Ra'is, as well as the Tablets to the Kings, and what befell the Chief of Paris.
… It is most strange that your honor hath not seen the divine Tablets, for had you observed them, you would have become aware of the power and might of God and would have spoken words that would convince that person and his like.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1298 ? [1880-1881], to Mulla Mihdi Jasbi -- BH01758)
38
Beware lest the affairs of the world grieve thee or prevent thee from Him Who is the Creator of heaven. Abandon every matter and hold fast unto the Cause of God, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. And concerning what thou didst ask about the return- read thou the Kitab-i-Iqan which the All-Merciful revealed when the Light was shining from the horizon of Iraq. Thus doth the Lord of all horizons command thee from His exalted station.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1300 or > ? [1882-1883], to Rida -- BH07379)
39
Praise flows from the tongue of every growing and firm believer after reading it, for he becomes informed of the events and thoughts.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Jan-26, to Star of the West Editors -- AB06541)
40
Read thou the Book of God that thou mayest know what hath been sent down from His wondrous Kingdom.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1300-11 [1883-Sep], to Firaydun et al -- BH04719)
41
Whatsoever hath been revealed from the Supreme Pen is a lamp for the guidance of the servants and a guide and teacher for those in all lands. The recitation of any of these will be beloved and will become the cause and means of the outpourings of the Lord of all being.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1296 ? [1878-1879], to Nasrullah Khi Alif -- BH03787)
42
Recite ye the verses of God by night and by day, for this is the supreme bounty. Look ye unto that which hath been sent down from God, the Mighty, the Inaccessible.
Verily in the Bayan is that through which ye shall find repose, and in the Bayan is that through which ye shall be glorified, and in the Bayan is that through which ye shall be adorned, and in the Bayan is that through which ye shall be magnified, and in the Bayan is that whereby ye shall gain knowledge, and in the Bayan is that whereby ye shall be illumined, and in the Bayan is that whereby ye shall be strengthened, and in the Bayan is that whereby ye shall gain dominion, and in the Bayan is that whereby ye shall gain sovereignty, and in the Bayan is that whereby ye shall gain wisdom, and in the Bayan is that whereby ye shall gain power, and in the Bayan is that whereby ye shall be purified, and in the Bayan is that whereby ye shall find relief, and in the Bayan is that whereby ye shall gain patience, and in the Bayan is that whereby ye shall glorify God, and in the Bayan is that whereby ye shall sanctify yourselves, and in the Bayan is that whereby ye shall offer praise, and in the Bayan is that whereby ye shall proclaim His unity, and in the Bayan is that whereby ye shall magnify Him, and in the Bayan is that whereby ye shall be freed from all sorrow, and in the Bayan is that whereby ye shall attain unto all good.
(The Báb, Kitab-i-Asma' (Book of Names), 1264 (late) or early 1265 [1848-1849] -- BB00003)
43
By the life of God! Every word thereof is the quickener of the dead and the manifestation of signs, and every letter thereof is, in the sight of God, more precious than all things.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1297 ? [1879-1880], to Bibi Rawhani known as Varaqih Ruhani -- BH06092)
44
This is a Tablet that all the treasures of the world cannot equal. Read it by night and by day - through it will God uncover what was hidden from thee.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1293-05 [1876-May], to Shaykh Muhammad -- BH03621)
45
Read this Tablet in times when you find yourself detached from this world and all that is therein, that it may attract you to a station praised from all eternity.
Read thou the verses of God by night and by day. By My life, they draw the sincere ones unto God, the Lord of the worlds.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1292-05-19 [1875-Jun-23], to Muhammad Rida Qaini -- BH08282)
47
When thou art honored with God's Tablet, recite it by night and by day. Verily it will draw thee nigh unto the most exalted station.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1292-06-19 [1875-Jul-23], to Mirza Abdur-Rahim, Zad Ri -- BH05792)
48
Recite each day that which hath been sent down from the heaven of Command, that He may preserve thee in truth and establish thee upon the straight path.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1291 ? [1874-1875], to Karbalai Ahmad Qaini -- BH03554)
49
Hold fast unto the Book of thy Lord, then recite it by night and by day. It shall verily protect thee and draw thee nigh unto the Most Sublime Vision.
Preserve thou this Tablet and recite it most days lest thou become heedless of what God hath willed for thee therein and be of them that are detached.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Muhammad Baqir son of Aqa Muhammad Ali -- BH01979)
51
Know thou the worth of what hath been sent down and dispatched to thee, then recite it morning and evening, nay rather at all times.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Mulla Ali Akbar Shahmirzadi (Haji Akhund) -- BH03299)
52
When ye attain unto a Tablet of God and His traces, preserve it, then read it that the fragrances of that which hath proceeded from the mouth of the Will of your Ancient Lord may waft between you.
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to Baha'is of Kulahdarrih -- BH02861)
53
Praise thy Lord for that thy letter hath attained the presence of the Throne and this Tablet hath been revealed unto thee, from which the fragrance of the All-Merciful passeth over all creation. Be thou steadfast in the Cause, detached from all else. This is what the Cleaver of the dawn counseleth thee. Read thou this Tablet at all times. It will draw thee to a station wherein thou shalt hear from all things: "Verily, there is no God but Him, the Mighty, the Unconstrained."
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1291-03 [1874-Apr], to Mirza Ali Ashraf Lahijani ('Andalib) -- BH02941)
54
Preserve the Tablet of God, then read what hath been revealed therein by night and by day, that it may create within thy heart that which will draw thee nigh unto a mighty and exalted station.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Abul-Hasan-i-Ardikani -- BH02973)
55
When thou attainest unto the Tablet of God, preserve it and read it in a spirit of joy and fragrance.
We have indeed inhaled the fragrance of thy turning unto Us, and have revealed for thee this mighty Book. Read it by night and by day, then glorify thy Lord with praise at morn and at eventide.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1291-09 [1874-Oct], to Karbalai Muhammad Husayn -- BH09828)
59
Take hold of the Book of God with the power that proceedeth from Him, then make mention of Him at eventide and at dawn.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1298-12 [1881-Oct], to Ali Asghar Uskui -- BH10469)
60
Take hold of the Book of God with the power that cometh from Him, then recite it at eventide and at dawn.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1302 ? [1884-1885], to Asad Khan -- BH06558)
61
Thus have We sent down the verses unto you and dispatched them to you, that you may be of the thankful. Recite them morning and evening, and glorify your Lord with praise at daybreak and eventide.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290-05 [1873-Jun], to Jinab-i-Siyyid Ja'far -- BH05498)
62
When thou attainest unto this Tablet, recite it by night and by day, and glorify the praise of thy Lord, the Self-Sufficient, the Most High.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1291-09 [1874-Oct], to Mirza Ali Akbar -- BH06928)
63
Rejoice in the glad-tidings of thy Lord, then recite what hath been sent down unto thee of the verses which the peoples of the world are powerless to enumerate.
Recite the Book of God; verily it will guide you to an exalted station.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1305-10-24 [1888-Jul-4], to Aqa Musa -- BH08088)
66
O Nasru'llah! When thou hast attained unto the Tablet of thy Lord, read it again and again, that thou mayest inhale the fragrance of the verses of thy Lord and be of them who have detached themselves in His love from all directions.
Take hold, O My loved ones, of the Tablet of God with a power from Him, then recite it by night and by day.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1292-05-19 [1875-Jun-23], to Nazar Ali Khan -- BH09008)
68
Take hold of the Book of God with the power that comes from Him, then recite it at all times.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1291-09 [1874-Oct], to Abul-Qasim -- BH09927)
69
Preserve the verses of thy Lord, then recite them at all times. By God! They shall draw thee to a station wherein thou shalt witness naught save the effulgences of the light of thy Lord's countenance, the Mighty, the Praiseworthy.
Remember Him by night and by day, then follow what He has revealed in the scriptures and tablets.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1298-01 [1880-Dec], to Karbala'i Muhammad Baqir -- BH06704)
74
The honored Siyyid Taqi, glory be upon him, appeared before the Wronged One with thy letter. We heard thy call and made mention of thee with a mention whose fragrance shall endure as long as the divine Kingdom endures. In all conditions We have counseled the servants to trustworthiness and religious devotion. In truth, the hosts that assist this Most Great Cause have been and are goodly deeds and praiseworthy character. Blessed are they who, through these hosts, open the cities of hearts in the name of the True One, exalted be His glory.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306 ? [1888-1889], to Mulla Muhammad et al -- BH00493)